Contractions? Stabbing pains? What are these?

[lightheartedmom]

So...I might (probably, almost definitely) have lost a piece of my mucus plug last night (2:30 this morning, but who's counting?), but no bloody show. I've been moderately cramping since, but no major contractions. But this afternoon, I've been getting crazy stabbing, shooting pains down the left side of my groin...does this sound like contractions any of you have experienced? Or maybe the baby's shoulders engaging in my pelvis? This baby wasn't dropped at my appointment last week and I skipped my 40w check up this week (who needs it?!). I also haven't had any internal exams so I have no idea if I'm dilated or effaced. ;-)

Does this sound like anything you ladies have or have had?

Here's hoping for a baby to hold in time for Mother's day!!

[~Katie~]

It sounds like the baby could be descending and maybe a bit mal-positioned and putting pressure on a nerve there. Can you try some cat/cow yoga poses and see if that helps correct things? Or some rebozo work if you know someone who is experienced with it?

[cmoma]

Sounds more like baby is pressing on a nerve than a contraction. If the baby is moving down and shifting postion she/he may be hitting just the right spot to cause some pain.

[lightheartedmom]

Originally Posted by KatieJD

It sounds like the baby could be descending and maybe a bit mal-positioned and putting pressure on a nerve there. Can you try some cat/cow yoga poses and see if that helps correct things? Or some rebozo work if you know someone who is experienced with it?

Mal-positioning? Darnit. I'll try doing some cat poses...I had to google rebozo, since I've barely heard of it and didn't know what it was (so I don't know anyone experienced w/ it). I do feel like this babe is bigger than DD (guaranteed to be since she was born at 38 weeks, but all things being equal, I think this one would have been bigger no matter what)...I'm concerned his/her shoulders might be getting stuck.

I'll see if the yoga helps...and more laying on the left side.

[~Katie~]

Originally Posted by lightheartedmom

Mal-positioning? Darnit. I'll try doing some cat poses...I had to google rebozo, since I've barely heard of it and didn't know what it was (so I don't know anyone experienced w/ it). I do feel like this babe is bigger than DD (guaranteed to be since she was born at 38 weeks, but all things being equal, I think this one would have been bigger no matter what)...I'm concerned his/her shoulders might be getting stuck.

I'll see if the yoga helps...and more laying on the left side.

I'm feeling something getting stuck against my right hip a lot of the time, I'm working really hard to get the babe's positioning adjusted and my midwife mentioned some rebozo work that can help with it. I'm thinking this baby is bigger than my first as well. My babies just seem to prefer my right side no matter what I do.

[lightheartedmom]

Originally Posted by KatieJD

I'm feeling something getting stuck against my right hip a lot of the time, I'm working really hard to get the babe's positioning adjusted and my midwife mentioned some rebozo work that can help with it. I'm thinking this baby is bigger than my first as well. My babies just seem to prefer my right side no matter what I do.

This one has been on my left almost from the get-go. The MW said that was good, since it's likely to rotate right during labor and come out in the right position but...who knows.

And btw, Katie, I've been reading your other posts and just wanted to say you're in my thoughts. I'm so sorry your DH had to leave and I hope that despite all that you're going through, you will have a wonderful birth and bond with your new LO and that your husband will soon be back with you and his precious babies. The picture of him and your DS in your signature is beautiful (and heart wrenching).

[Smithie]

Don't freak out about malpositioning - it is amazing how much your body can shove that baby around in the course of labor (provided you are "allowed" to move about as you feel the need)! But yeah, some cat/cow and other yoga poses might help a lot with the discomfort. Try several things and see what feels good. This is one of those "trust your monkey self" moments, as Ina May Gaskin would say. If you were a monkey with no idea about yoga and no social inhibitions, how would you be sitting/standing/lying right now?

[lightheartedmom]

Originally Posted by Smithie

Don't freak out about malpositioning - it is amazing how much your body can shove that baby around in the course of labor (provided you are "allowed" to move about as you feel the need)! But yeah, some cat/cow and other yoga poses might help a lot with the discomfort. Try several things and see what feels good. This is one of those "trust your monkey self" moments, as Ina May Gaskin would say. If you were a monkey with no idea about yoga and no social inhibitions, how would you be sitting/standing/lying right now?

ahahhaahaha!! My monkey!! I tried to explain this concept to my husband the other day...I don't think he got it. If my "monkey" were running the show, I would be spending every minute in a swimming pool. Which is not even remotely possible since there is no access to such a thing in my world right now. But...oh well. Left-side lying down and on my hands and knees feels good.