How common is it? Contraction question

[babycatcher12]

I'm just curious how common is it to have contractions wake you up at night, but then fewer during the day? The last 3 nights or so I've had contractions strong enough to wake me up at night. They're kind of painful and I have 5-10 of them or so and then I'm able to relax enough to go back to sleep. I don't have any that are that uncomfortable during the day. I'm wondering if it's a positioning thing at night, although it doesn't really matter how I'm laying. They always happen about 3:30 or 4:00am. It's just irritating...I'd actually like to be sleeping at that time.

FWIW I have had c/s in the past and never really had labor signs until 39 weeks or so (I'm 37w4d). I don't remember this from my last 3 pregnancies.

[MsBlack]

Sounds normal to me

This is called prodromal labor, and it is much more common once you've already had one baby than it is with a first baby...and increasingly common with each successive pregnancy. Maybe in prior pregnancies, this kind of labor did occur--but not so strong and you slept through it. Most women's labors do start between dusk and dawn, also--I would not be the least surprised that once you do go into active labor, it starts around the same time as your current pattern has been. And it's a good sign that your body is ramping up, preparing you and baby both for labor in healthy ways.

Mind you, babies are actually born at all different times of day/night--it's just that labor's onset most often occurs between dusk and dawn.

Of course, it can be a real PITA if it's costing you sleep! Just try to get naps during the day if you're starting to feel sleep deprived--remember that once you have a baby in arms, you will need to sleep whenever baby allows it, take naps, etc. Consider this practice--you are not just being prepared for birth, but also for the shift in your sleep habits that a new baby brings.

And welcome those contractions as much as you can! They are a great sign that your cervix is beginning to soften/ripen already; you may even have a few cms dilation occur before birthing day. Remember too that your body is very wise--this 'labor by installments' as I like to call it, is also helping make things easier on your scar, by gradually applying pressure to help it stretch/adjust and get ready for the big day. I would be especially inclined to think this way if this is your first VBAC...but you didn't say.

[babycatcher12]

It is my first VBAC...so maybe it could be just my body prepping for birth. That is at least helpful.

I just don't remember really having many contractions at all with the other boys, especially these at night. Thank you so much for the response and reassurance!

--Erin

[MsBlack]

Originally Posted by babycatcher12

It is my first VBAC...so maybe it could be just my body prepping for birth. That is at least helpful.

I just don't remember really having many contractions at all with the other boys, especially these at night. Thank you so much for the response and reassurance!

--Erin

Ah--somehow I thought it must be your 1st VBAC--all the best to you and baby!

You're welcome