can we move things along?

[coltynsmom]

Hello everyone. My SIL is 37 weeks preggo and has been having consistent contractions for 2 days. They are 15 minutes apart. Doc says she is at a 2 and 50% effaced. She was induced for both of her other children so she doesnt really know what is "normal" if there is such a thing :-) I didn't have this experience with my boy so I don't know what to tell her.

My question is has anyone else had this long of a "pre-labor" Is it any indication that the baby is on her way soon? Or could it be another week? Also is there anything she can do to help it along other than the old wives tales..castor oil, riding in a bumpy car, and so on. She has been staying very active. Thanks for your help!

[onlyboys]

She might just ignore them. At 15 minutes apart, she can sleep in between and stay rested. If I were her doula, I would encourage her to use distraction, rest and hydration to get through the last little bit before labor kicks in.

[UberMama]

It could be another few weeks, it could be a few days.. it's hard to say. It does sound like she is in prodromal labor. I've dealt with it twice and honestly, it stinks. :/

[coltynsmom]

the only reason i am not sure if it is prodromal is because she says that the contractions are consistent. I'll have to ask if they are a minute long though. Thanks for your replies!

[kltroy]

they can be consistent and still be nothing. Can she ignore them? Do they wake her up at night or can she sleep through them? I had BH contractions that were like clockwork, but they were not bothersome or intense, or even really that distracting. Real labor means that you have regular contractions that BUILD IN INTENSITY and INCREASE IN FREQUENCY and LEAD TO CERVICAL CHANGE. Sounds like she's not having this, so she's not in labor. Tell her to have a glass of wine and take a bath. Baby will be here before she knows it.

[rlmueller]

Super normal

Let those ctx do there thing. God-willing it will make actual baby day go faster. DO NOT TALK INDUCTION at 37 weeks unless medically necessary.

[khaoskat]

I left my last Midwife visit with DS2 at 4 CM and 50-75% (cannot remember exactly but it was in that range). I went into labor about 3-4 days later. All I had were BH type ctx that died out after 3 hours. 2-3 hours later ctx started up again, more like painless extreme tightening. From that point to birth was approximately 3 1/2 hours.

With DD2, I walked around 1-2 and 20% for 4 weeks. But again had a real quick labor when it happened.

[Italiamom]

If I were in her shoes I'd use those contractions as a cue to start getting LOTS of rest, and spending LOTS of time on a ball trying to open up those hips Regardless of whether her LO comes tomorrow or in a few weeks, both would be good ideas...

[Sudonk]

Sometimes prodromal labor can be an indication that the baby isn't positioned quite right. The body is using the contraction to try to move the baby rather than open the cervix. She may want to check out spinningbabies.com for tips on determining the baby's position and getting baby in the right place. Chiropractic care can help, too.

I hope things taper off and let her rest for a couple more weeks!

[Plaid Leopard]

I certainly wouldn't recommend moving things along.
AS pp have said - a glass of wine, a bath, lots of rest.
Also she should make sure she is drinking enough water and eating well. Being dehydrated can cause contractions/premature labor.

[justmandy]

I'm in the same boat with your SIL, although I've been here a bit longer. I thought for sure the baby would come at 37 weeks, was in labor...well prodromal and have been waiting for 2 weeks for things to get real.

This is my first nartual birth, my others were all induced, either from not much or from early/prodromal labor. If I were going to the hospital this time, I'm sure I'd have my baby in my arms by now.

Once my mw told me I didnt' really know what natrual labor felt like, I was free from all my expectations and know that when it's real I'll know...and oh how I hope it's soon!