No idea what's going on

[wobblykate]

So, I got a brief reprieve and the mw gave me until 8:30 b/c I felt I was having some contractions after taking castor oil. But now I don't know. It hurts like heck (I can talk through it easily, tho). A lot of lower back pain. But I'm not feeling it across the top of my belly. I'll just reach down and belly's really hard...the lower back and lower tummy pain come and go, but it's hard to figure out if they're even contractions or when they start/stop. I can't lay down, too painful. Does any of this sound like labor to you? My mom said 'if it hurts, it's labor,' but I don't think that's necessarily the case.

Help!

[nancy11]

I'm no help, but my expectation is that I will feel contractions mostly toward the bottom of my belly and in my lower back. I'm basing this on the BH-type things I've been feeling recently. I also expect pain versus discomfort.

[dawncayden]

If it feels good to move Kate, don't lay down.

Listen to your body, go inside to a happy place and imagine your cervix opening wide.


trust your body

[michanders4]

I was so surprised to see you posted!!!! Hmm I agree with Nancy that I imagine you will feel it mostly in the lower area/back so it could be contractions! The point of contractions is to dilate your cervix and the cervix is low right? I'm not sure though either . How much castor oil did you take?

[wobblykate]

2 oz in oj...chugged it down and wiped my mouth with a warm washrag after. No problem. Definitely cleans you out. I guess I expected contractions to be across the top of my belly, too. I think I'm going to be battling with being tired since I got up extra early for the appt and have been so uncomfortable since. We'll see.

[FischK]

Can't offer much advice on this issue, but from my birth preparation I know the trick seems to be staying of your back at least during contractions. Anyway, I wanted to wish you the best of luck.

[secondimpression]

I believed all that stuff about "real" contractions wrapping around to the front and towards the top of your belly. Yeah...definitely didn't feel like that to me The early active labor contractions felt like really intense period cramps, down low in my pelvis. Even then, I wasn't convinced I was really in labor until 5cm. sounds like you may be...or may not be (but I hope it's the former!)

[Murph12334]

yup i pretty much had totally back labor with dd, not much to anything in the front until transition

[Bexo]

Can you try timing them? Are they following a pattern? If not, my guess is it's cramping from the castor oil.

[wobblykate]

got on my hands and knees and they established a pattern...2-3 mins apart. this IS labor.

[Murph12334]

woohoo!!!

Good luck mama!!

after labor is done with you send it over here please!

[Peony]

Originally Posted by wobblykate

got on my hands and knees and they established a pattern...2-3 mins apart. this IS labor.

:

[lillyfire]

Hope things are going well! Just wanted to say that with my first labor, I didn't feel it at all in the front of my body. It was 100% in my lower back pretty much the entire time. Leaning over and counterpressure from my doula were really helpful. Somehow my hubby couldn't get it just right and got booted from pressure duty. But it could definitely be labor even if it's only in your back. Keep up the good work!

[Lindsay1234]

[daisyem]

WOO HOO!! Good luck!

[fairymom]

go kate! :

[nancy11]

Babieeeeeez!

[Bexo]

Good luck Kate!

[Jude-a-buddies-mom]

Yay! Good birthing vibes to you :

[Azreial]

Been thinking about you today. I hope you're holding your little girl