Am I going to have the kid early?

[Sillygoose]

I'm getting a little freaked; this nervous mama could use a little perspective.

I'm 34 weeks pregnant with baby #2, and I'm in the full flower of the Get This Kid Out of Me stage. I never got to that stage with baby #1; I was quite comfortable the whole time. I've been nesting like a madwoman -- like, I'm exhausted, the Please Sit Down and Rest contractions are going and going, and I can't stop until I have cleaned just one more thing (I hate cleaning, this is a very unusual urge). And the contractions overall, even when I'm sitting around, are getting stronger and more frequent.

I'm kind of freaking out that this all means I'm going to give birth early, really early.

If this sometimes happens and it isn't a sign of anything in particular, let me know, and I'll be calmed. If these things are very frequently a sign of impending childbirth, let me know and I'll pack a bag and finally get on the project of cleaning and sorting all the old baby clothes.

[ferra]

I can't tell you if you are going to go REALLY early or not. Do you have a midwife or doctor you can call?

It sounds to me like you need to rest. I've heard that contractions like your's can be related to dehydration. Drink A LOT of water and get off your feet. Tell baby it is not time yet.

[olive&pimiento]

As the pp said, no one can tell you whether or not this is preterm labor or just an irritable uterus, but from a mom who gave birth at 36 weeks and had the baby in the nicu for a day due to being early, I would say STOP CLEANING and kick your feet up. I know how you are feeling, I feel like I was just there and at that point I was hoping he would be early, just not before 37 wks. They really do need those finishing touches that the last weeks add.

[majormajor]

oh, i hope not! if you're having contractions, i'd go to L&D to be monitored just to be sure. if it is early labor, they can possibly stop it. babies really need these last few weeks!!
good luck and i agree with the others, REST!

[Peony]

I have constant BHs but my babies have so far stayed in till 38 weeks. I remember having major nesting with DD2 around 34 weeks or so. This time I'm 35 weeks now and my nesting urges passed weeks ago, I'm too tired to nest now. You do need to take it easy at times, this coming from a woman who has an insane schedule right now and is doing way too much, and pays for it with contractions.

[seraphim0517]

I had this much more with #2, started maybe 33wks, she came at 40. I'd agree with some other replies, rest (even though it's hard), and stay hydrated. I didn't get checked, if you are slightly dilated at this point it likely means nothing, and the drugs given to stop labor are not that effective and do have side effects to think about. Besides I was with a mw who would not have recommended it anyway. I'm only 32 weeks now and nesting is setting in already, but the BH haven't been as bad (still happening tho) as I have been staying hydrated.

[TwinsTwicePlusTwo]

For me, the more BH contractions I get the longer the pregnancy seems to last. The time I went into labor at 34 weeks I'd had no previous contrations whatsoever. However, you may be wired differently.

I know how hard it can be to rest, even though you know you're supposed to. But do try to take it easy. At least sit down for a while and see if you can get the contractions to subside.

[Sillygoose]

Thanks, folks, this is the perspective I needed. I do need to take it easy, and I appreciate the reminder that these symptoms don't necessarily mean I'll have the kid early, but that they can be precursors to preterm labour and I really don't want that. I must remind myself, when I have the uncontrollable urge to clean just one more thing, that I'd rather have it dirty while I rest at home with a healthy baby than have it clean while I fret next to an isolette containing my preemie.

I am in midwife care, and I'm seeing them I think weekly at this point, so I'll bring this up at my next appointment (Monday).

[majormajor]

glad baby is still cooking. keep us posted!