What would you do?

[Seeking Refuge]

Okay so last night at bedtime I started having regular contractions that have really not become much closer than about ten minutes apart although from about 1-2 am they were closer to five. They aren't getting any stronger or longer but they are making me crampy and achy and generally miserable to be around. I have had bloody show for two days now. I am at least 2cm dilated, so why don't I just go?
Dh stayed home with me today because he was worried. We have tried sex, nipple stimulation but we just can't get the contractions to increase. I am tired and either want them to stop or get going.

What can I do? I have to agree with other people that castor oil is sounding tempting.

[AmandasMom]

I would just wait it out, let nature take its course. I know we are all anxious to have our little ones here we are in our last few weeks, so I think we are all becoming impatient. I would relax, enjoy the ride, and know that soon your body will take over

[cosmos]

With my first I had "pre labor" like that for 4 days and I did make significant progress.

With my second I had a 5 1/2 hour labor from 0 dilation to birth.

I would take the long drawn out labor over the fast one any day, I feel like my body was able to recover and rest and then start up again the next night (most of the contractions were at night).

Just be sure to rest when you can, and know that your body is using its own wisdom to keep you as comfortable as possible.

[scheelimama]

Like the pp said, it really is easier this way. Your body is making progress, just not as quickly as you would like. I know exactly how you feel. That was me yesterday and I was grouchy and miserable all day. Just try not to get too anxious, b/c it really could be a few more weeks or you could have the baby tomorrow. It's so hard not knowing when it's going to happen. s

[Seeking Refuge]

Thanks all, I know that you are all right. It has just been a long couple of weeks because I am so sick. I am throwing up stomach acid all the time and am dropping protein in my urine. My blood pressure is up and my ankles are swollen so my midwife says I should eat more protein but that just makes me throw up more. Boy listen to me feel sorry for myself. Ugh. I hate being that person.

My midwife made me come in for an extra visit yesterday and the baby's heart rate is good. I think that she is getting nerrvous though too.

She told me that if I were with an OB, they would probably have me strapped down to a bed with pitocin by now but I so don't want that either. I had that with my second daughter and it was no fun. I wanted a natural pregnancy and that is what I am havinng.

I am just really tired and thinking that if this keeps up much longer I am not going to be in very good shape for labor.

[jecaly]

aw steph, that sounds awful! i'm sure you've been trying everything wrt getting enough protein, but here are some suggestions anyway--shakes with protein powder or almonds ground up in them? cashew "cream" for dipping veggies or crackers into (raw cashews, honey and a little water in a blender until smooth--it's actually pretty tasty and mild)? chicken broth? miso soup?

you can do this! we're all pulling for you.



*jennifer