Am I in labor? sensation and castor oil question. pls. help

[2bpeaceful]

I've been having low-grade menstrual-like cramps now for about 4 hours, one every 10 min or so, not lasting that long.

1) Im 40.4 wks, 70% effaced, 2.5 cm dilated, and nurse today said that my cervix is waaaaay forward (anterior--she almost couldnt find it) and that I am "very, very soft".

2) had two acupuncture tx that didnt take, but did result in minimal mucus plug loss.

3) took 2 doses of castor oil today--one tablespoon in scrambled eggs at 11 am, another tablespoon in a milkshake at noon. very minimal pooping , no intense stomach cramps, none of the horror I've heard from castor oil.

4) dh and I took a long walk this afternoon around 4 and during the walk I was having tight squeezes w/some back pain and the cramping about 3x every 15 minutes. They've eased up some.

So...what can I expect tonight? Im considering another dose of castor oil (tablespoon).

I would love to hear from those of you who have taken castor oil, and also those of you who can help me understand if this is early labor for real or just a tease

[Mom2Ellis]

Wow! Sounds like real labor to me! Best wishes!!!! Are you birthing at a hospital? Just take note if your water breaks or starts leaking. They'll want to monitor you at that time.

[gnutter]

sounds like it could be labor-I would skip the castor oil thing-you have to take A LOT to do anything and it could just dehydrate you. keep hydrated-that is something I learned this time around---will be waiting for an update

[shanetedissac]

Caught your post on the 'new post' section. Rest tonight. Sounds like you have been going all day and you are very anxious to get this baby out. Take a break, you need your rest to be in labor. Lack of sleep is the worst, worst thing you could have during labor. Please, please, take a break and go to sleep.

Your baby will come when your baby is ready.

[2bpeaceful]

Nothing has happened.....

So after three doses of castor oil (1 tablespoon each), lots of walking, and enough mentrual-like cramps to get us excited, we woke up to NO BABY!

I did have quite a bit of clear/slightly pinkish discharge, which I assume is mucus, which is a good sign...ive had lots of good signs.....

I am so anxious to have this baby and I cant understand why its taking so long if all the signs are favorable, Im past due date, she's dropped, Im effaced 70%, dilated, soft, far anterior cervix, and having cramps.

I think Im going to give the castor oil another shot today, maybe 2 tablespoons in scrambled eggs. It really had no effect on me yesterday.

help!

[robin4kids]

I have been having all those symptoms for weeks now!!!!

IT SUCKS! Sorry for the language, but today is my due date and I am not in a good mood. I know the baby is coming, but I have many people depending on me delivering in the next couple days. Plus I am in pain. That menstral cramping, I have had for weeks now. BACK PAIN I have been having for, like EVER and tightening, been there. NOTHING seems to get going.

I start cleaning and laying out clothes fo my other 4 children in preperation and wake the next moring feeling fine. IT STINKS!

[NurseLaurie]

2bpeaceful... we are so having the same experience!! I've had bloody show for over 24 hours. I had contractions like clockwork every four minutes yesterday. MW had me meet her at the hospital. They confirmed my 4 minute pattern, baby was wonderfully reactive, dilated to 2+, effaced 80%, pain minimum so they sent me home. Said to come back when it was more intense. Long story short, I'm typing this from home. Contractions let up. Baby not here. I'm just about to get in the tub, see if I can work up an orgasm (DH has just given up on trying), get out and hook up to the breast pump and see if I can get anything booted up again. I really thought this was happening! Heck I may even try an enema. Blech! This is so irritating. I know it's stupid to be so impatient. I just can't help it.

[2bpeaceful]

nurselaurie--how did the breast pump/orgasm thing work for you? I"ve tried the breast pump manually but couldnt get good suction. Orgasm just feels good but contractions..reminds me of when I was TTC. Sex became so...utilitarian. :

I cant believe Im still pregnant. I cannot F*ING believe it!

My early labor signs have completely disappeared.