Latent phase almost 24 hours now

[Greeneyegirl]

Urgh just looking for support really. First time mum, had my bloody show when i got up yesterday at 7am and immediately started having contractions. Probably had them in bed before I got up tbh but id had a curry the night before and thought it was wind/IBS. Yesterday they came every half hour or so, sometimes every 10mins. They slowed a while and then in the evening seemed quite regular (every10mins). Lost more (clear) plug in the evening. Thought id never sleep but took 2 paracetamol and did manage midnight until 4am but im up again now, contractions every 10mins. They arent that bad but i have to breathe through them. Feeling quite sick now and tired. Just had a runny tummy. Got the midwife this morning for my 41 week appointment which is something to work towards but just feel disheartened. I knew latent can be long but all my friends had their waters break first, went into labour and needed to go to hospital within a few hours

Stick with it OP. You’re doing really well. Latent labour can be truly exhausting. Could ask the midwife to try to move things along by doing a sweep if you’re up for it? Have you got anything to take the edge off like a tens machine?

I can opt for a sweep, the thought of having one whilst feeling like this makes me feel sick though but i guess I need to suck it up. I might feel better after a warm shower too. I was using a hot water bottle but its cooled now. After my shower i think I'll stick a heat pad on. No idea whether my DH should go into work today either. He did yesterday and it was fine but today feels different.

You got this. The story that the latent phase isn't "real labour" is such bullshit to me, my "latent phase" lasted three days and was incredibly painful. It's luck of the draw. We don't all labour in the same way. Having an idea in your mind of how it will go and also that you have any real control over how it will go is unhelpful but not your fault, we're fed these messages from all angles. That baby is coming out sooner or later and if you feel you need pain relief or you are worried about your baby's movements you bang down the doors of your maternity department and don't take no for an answer. Good luck xxx

Good luck OP, hopefully it's not too long for you!

Aw OP I feel for you. Latent labour is hard. I don't know the answer for your DP and work either. If you're still contracting consistently every 10 min I'd be inclined to keep him with you. Sending love and hope it speeds up soon xx

Latent labour is bloody hard mental. One thing that that helped me was reminding myself every contract was done. I wouldn't have to have that one again. I also found the bath really helpful.

It's not unusual - rest rest rest, sleep, gentle walking, pelvic circles on a birth ball (not bouncing!) - eat, drink, keep your reserved. Warm compresses on the back and lower belly, massages are good. You've got this. If your waters have gone avoid a sweep, too much risk of infection.

@lurchermummy i did all these things yesterday (other than walking as i dont have any shoes that fit on my balloon feet anymore but i walked round the house) i dont feel i could today. When a contraction comes i have to stand and bend over and sway my hips. Sometimes i shake uncontrollably through them, lying down is the worst, i only feel comfortable stood up. I always thought i had a high pain threshold 😅. Struggling to eat to as the contractions make me feel so sick. Hopefully baby comes today

When I had my first, I lost my plug on a Friday morning, was aware of contractions when I woke up for the day Saturday morning, very much like yours sound, couldn't sit still by dinner time Saturday. Took 2 paracetamol and went to bed about 10, got 2 hrs sleep, was pacing and breathing through for the next few hrs then called and went to hospital by 3am, having to stop ever few steps from the car to breathe through, 7cm dilated on arrival. Waters were broken manually by MW at 10cm dilatation on the labour ward around 10am. Prolonged pushing stage, baby arrived at just before 1pm on 41+1.

So my labour from losing plug to holding baby was a little over 2 days!

Good luck and hope baby arrives safely soon for you ❤️