HELP, in labour!

[Mommatobeatrix]

Okay, so I'm in what Ive been told is the early stage of labour.
Since Monday morning I've been having painless contractions however yesterday (Wednesday) morning at about 5:30am I started getting some pain with the contractions which were about 8 mins apart approximately! A couple of hours later I lost my mucus plug. Since then I've had irregular contractions which have gotten worse in pain up until about 10pm last night when they were about 7/8 mins apart again. Thought I better get some rest for the real deal! I've woke up about an hour ago and they are feeling quite a bit worse about 6 mins apart.
My problem is, ive rang the birth center twice since Monday, both times they told me not to bother making the journey until they're unbearable... but when is unbearable?! I've got a high pain threshold, and they are making me take a deep breathe in at the moment and wince a little but how do I know I'm not coping better than most?
I just don't want to end up unexpectedly needing to push whilst still at home because I've waited until the contractions have gotten 'unbearable'!
I've read some people have gotten to 10cm dilated with manageable contractions, so I'm worried about not knowing when to go into the birth centre if I'm one of those lucky ones.

Has anyone else been through this? What did you do? Anyone got advice?! 😩 I don't even know if I'm dilating because they won't check let me come in to check! I'm seeing my midwife tomorrow morning at 9am, should I wait til then?

Sorry. Xpost. I found baths did really help. Swaying like a belly dancer, matching and counting through contractions, lavender oil if you have it. And knowing that the more painful contractions are* the more effective they are and so the sooner you will meet your baby! Do you have a TENS? I loved mine but I know it doesn't work for everyone.

*provided they aren't back to back.

Marching not matching

I found standing and swaying helped. Also stepping sideways from foot to foot or gently stamping helped distract me from the pain.

My first labour was like this! Started with painless contractions on the Saturday, managed to sleep overnight, check up and sweep Sunday morning, confirmed early labour 2cm, built up during the day, went in to hospital at 7, still 2-3cm, sent home, in agony overnight, lost massive mucus plug, no sleep, let husband sleep, relied on my birthing ball, tens and mumsnet to get me through, started to wear off again at daybreak, took 2 paracetamol and managed a couple of hrs sleep, bouncing all day on my ball, contractions built up again and back to hospital at 7pm, begging them to take pity. Still measured 3cm, although MW wrote down 3/4cm so she could admit me. Not sure if my body then thought it was ok to proceed but finally things slowly started to progress. Took another 8-9hrs to get fully established, but then just 20mins of pushing to get DD out.

Playing the waiting game here too although suspect I am no way near as far along as you! Have had a few very painful contractions over the last few days. 3/4 every 10 mins and then nothing for hours. Lots of BH too. Would love to get this baby out before the weekend but only 38+3 so could be a while!

Firsttimer -- hopefully it won't be too much of a wait for you!
If it's any help, I had a vindaloo curry Tuesday night which I'm pretty certain has helped bring on the proper contractions. Be warned though it's not pleasant in the bathroom morning after 😫

Exciting times! Hope things progress smoothly for you both.

We've got curry for tea tomorrow but might try and convince DH that we should have it tonight instead! Although I'm pretty sure that my steady diet of chocolate biscuits this week has had a similar effect

If you can still focus on mumsnet you have a while to go. I found leaning forward over the kitchen worktop helped. Also singing along to some loud music. But if you can sleep at any point do. I was in labour a long time with my first and I wish I had slept more in the early part. Good luck!

Applesandpears- I have to stop what I'm doing and concentrate on getting through the pain when I get a contraction but they're still 7-8 mins apart and don't seem to be getting any closer.
I'm too tired to do anything to speed things a long but in too much pain to sleep 😩🙈

When I had dd1, we went into the hospital, and the mw examined me, and I was only 1cm at that point at 10pm.

She said to me that I'd be there til lunchtime. My contractions got worse, she came in and it progressed quickly. My dd was born at 4am iirc.

So when I had dd2, that took 3 hours.

Get those hips swinging, and stay upright. Gravity is your friend

I love a live birth thread.

How are you feeling x

Feeling tiredish, but can't sleep because contractions are bloody painful haha.
Trying to get an hours kip in I think I'll feel a bit more energized to get this labour speeded up then

Thanks for all your advice guys! I will try and keep you informed throughout the day x

Have you got a TENS machine OP? Is your pain in your back or your belly? Sounds like you're well on your way!

Happydays - nope I've not got a TENs machine, and the pain is mainly belly 😞

Good luck!
Gently bouncing on a birth ball and watching TV. Do some hip rotations to help you dilate evenly.

Good luck! Love a birth thread

Just concentrate on you :) so exciting your going to meet your baby soon 😘 good luck x

How are you doing this eve OP?

Good luck I'm hoping you are enjoying your newborn now.

Baby has arrived! 11:48pm she's beautiful 😍 so in love. Thanks for your advice and well wishes guys x

Aww, congratulations!

Yay!!! Congratulations Mumma.