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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Early labour & feeling miserable

27 replies

avocadotoast · 21/05/2015 17:55

Just after a bit of hand holding really... Been having contractions since yesterday at 5am. They continued all day and night and did get steadily more regular - to the point where I called the maternity ward at 1am this morning (so after 20 hours) to see about going in. They said I'd be best waiting a while as my contractions weren't really close enough to warrant coming in. Cue a sleepless night on the sofa trying to doze between contractions (which did ease in frequency a little - about every 5 mins by morning).

This morning I had a midwife appt booked in for a sweep, so I went along still so she could check my progress. She said I looked to be 3cm dilated, did a sweep to help things along a little more, and said she thought things shouldn't take too much longer. Dutifully went home, had a bath, had something to eat, tracked my contractions and when they were every 3 mins or so gave the hospital a ring back. They said to go in, so we did.

Examination at the hospital showed only 2cm dilation and I was given the choice of staying in or going home. I decided to come home, even though the contractions are really painful and paracetamol definitely isn't touching the sides.

Since I got home all I've done is cry and lay in bed. I haven't been timing the contractions because I don't see the point when I could still be like this tomorrow. I feel so helpless and I don't know what I can do to try and move things along. It's been 37 hours since this started and I don't know how much more I can take Sad

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avocadotoast · 21/05/2015 17:57

Oh, and I've been hooked up to my TENS machine since yesterday too, thankfully. I don't think I'd be coping at all otherwise!

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AnythingNotEverything · 21/05/2015 18:01

Is this your first?

I would keep timing those contractions. You don't want them to suddenly get really close and end up having the baby in the bathroom Smile

Are you alone?

This bit is tough. You'll be holding your baby soon ... And your adrenaline and oxytocin will kick in in the meantime to help you out.

avocadotoast · 21/05/2015 18:08

Yeah, it's my first. I will start timing them again, it's just disheartening seeing (and feeling!) them happening so often and not feeling like much is happening.

Luckily I'm not on my own, DH is with me and my lovely mum is popping round in a bit Smile

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Penguinandminipenguin · 21/05/2015 18:10

I have no advice sorry, as I've never been in labour (currently 30 weeks pregnant), but just wanted to wish you luck for an arrival soon!!

AnythingNotEverything · 21/05/2015 18:24

Every contraction is one closer to meeting your baby. I know that sounds so cliched but it's true!

Labour can surprise you and suddenly speed up so stay vigilant. Try eat something, remember to keep drinking and weeing Smile

Good luck!

avocadotoast · 21/05/2015 19:21

Thanks both Smile contractions are every 2-3 mins now but same intensity as before so I don't think it necessarily means progress...

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AnythingNotEverything · 21/05/2015 19:25

Isn't 3 co reactions in 10 minutes one of the signs to go to hospital?

Is it far? Might be worth giving them another call. I know you don't want to be sent him again but your labour sounds pretty established. It might be a case of when not if now, so worth heading in, or having a plan to at least.

AnythingNotEverything · 21/05/2015 19:29

*contractions

avocadotoast · 21/05/2015 19:38

It is, but that's what I had before (well, close enough). This is why I'm so confused - so little dilation but contractions are so close together!

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Stillwishihadabs · 21/05/2015 19:45

2 or 3 cm is not nothing for a first baby. Think of your cervix as a baloon and how difficult it is to do the first bit,then every breath makes it bigger. I am a medic and we were taught 24 hours for the first 4cm then 12 for the rest. That's certainly how it was for me. Contractions started Wednesday night and I met my lo at 2 am on Saturday.Good luck

Justusemyname · 21/05/2015 19:50

I went from 3 to 10 cm instantly with my second baby which was my first labour and again with the next one so be careful and get timing!!

avocadotoast · 22/05/2015 07:16

Well... Kept tracking all night, very little sleep again, woke up convinced I hadn't felt the baby move for hours (I had!) and cried for ages in case I'd caused some sort of damage.

50 hours and counting... Contractions have slowed and I've also got constant back pain which is making them quite hard to monitor. Really just don't know what to do with myself!

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Justusemyname · 22/05/2015 07:59

Poor you.

Maybe go in and get checked over?

catellington · 22/05/2015 08:02

Good luck. My contractions never got closer together than every 4-5, weren't too strong until last hour, don't knowcabout dilation bit, as only had one at 7 cm, and were very weak for the hour before delivery.

You never know!

ToddleWaddle · 22/05/2015 08:11

I had this with my first too. It is shattering but you will soon forget when baby comes.
I would go back in to get checked over though. You might be surprised.

AnythingNotEverything · 22/05/2015 08:14

I'd go in and be checked. It does sound like things are progressing.

I was hoping to wake up to a birth announcement ... Hopefully today's the day Smile

MrsDeVere · 22/05/2015 08:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

avocadotoast · 22/05/2015 08:58

Thanks everyone Smile

I called the hospital and spoke to the same midwife who saw me there yesterday. She said I don't need to go in unless I feel worried or until contractions get a lot closer together. Going to attempt to get some sleep and then maybe for a walk to try get things going a bit more!

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TheCunkOfPhilomena · 22/05/2015 22:19

I hope that things have progressed now avocado Thanks

Fwiw, my labour with DS had a loooong latent period and I know just how much it gets you down. With hindsight I wish I'd rested more when I could rather than fanatically bounce on a birthing ball and stay up all night timing ctx. I had my first contraction at about 11pm on the Thursday and DS was born at 7:47pm on the Sunday.

Oh and to all those medical people that don't count early labour as part of labour, they can feck off, it hurts and it counts in my book.

avocadotoast · 24/05/2015 16:22

Well - after 109 hours (from when contractions first started!) - baby finally arrived yesterday afternoon. Happy to report that all is well Smile

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Steph1502 · 24/05/2015 16:27

Awww congrats :) boy/girl? Weight?

avocadotoast · 24/05/2015 17:46

Girl, 7lb bang on. Definitely in no rush to go through it all again!

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NewMrsX · 24/05/2015 17:55

Congratulations!

GuybrushThreepwoodMP · 24/05/2015 19:09

Well done!
My first labour was EXACTLY like yours. Sympathy (but YEY! It's over now!)

PlumFairy2014 · 24/05/2015 19:30

Congratulations!!!! :)