Prodromal Labor or the REAL thing?

[peilover010202]

So, I've been having tons of prodromal labor over the last week. But tonight has been different. Contractions off and on all day long, just not feeling "right" but can't really explain why (other than contractions, lots of pressure I've never felt, and lots of bathroom breaks.)

Anyway, at about 8pm tonight, I realized that the contractions had been coming every 15 minutes or so. So, I read up in my Bradley book, since my water broke last time, wasn't really sure what to expect.

Now, 4 hours later, contractions are every 3-6 minutes apart lasting about 1 to 1-1/2 minutes. Seems like there shouldn't be the variable in time between contractions - so that has me doubting this is real, but given the amount of time and the fact that the ctx ARE getting closer together, MAYBE it's real? I just don't know. :

I'm tired of timing them at this point, and they aren't too uncomfortable - so I'm heading for bed (again). I'm pretty excited, so that's definitely making it difficult to relax right now, but it could be a long night - so I need to be ready.

I'll update as soon as I can.

[peilover010202]

Update...

It's now 3:20 my time. I was able to sleep for about one solid hour. Ctx have definitely slowed down but are still here. Woke up super hungry? : Never donw that before. Oh well, having a snack and then back off to rest.

I do have a reg appt with my dr first thing in the am, so I'm planning on going in to be checked then we'll go from there.

[jenmk]

I have no advice or thoughts on whether it's the real thing . . . since I've never actually gone into labor before on my own . . . but I hope it is! Keep us posted!

[peilover010202]

Thanks Jenmk!

Here's another update:

Still having contractions, now about 10 hours. They did spread apart during the night, but are still 15 minutes apart at most. I just got up this am, so I'll start timing them if they seem to get closer together.

Off to my appt in about 2 hours.

[zimmee]

OOOOH YAY! I hope this is it for you! Keep us updated!

Best wishes for a beautiful birth!

[JenMidwife]

Ooooh Steph, I'll be thinking about you all day! I hope you're hanging in there...

[Sailmom]

Steph - sending lots of good labor vibes your way!

One thing you may want to try at this point... I had a very similar labor with my dd due to her position not being optimal. Get some rest, but stay off your back. Spend a lot of time walking, or better yet swimming, today. Pelvic tilts on a birthing ball, time on all fours. The contractions were never all that painful, but once I got her head directly on my cervix, her birth was 2 hours later!

Have a wonderful day!

[peilover010202]

Originally Posted by Sailmom

Steph - sending lots of good labor vibes your way!

One thing you may want to try at this point... I had a very similar labor with my dd due to her position not being optimal. Get some rest, but stay off your back. Spend a lot of time walking, or better yet swimming, today. Pelvic tilts on a birthing ball, time on all fours. The contractions were never all that painful, but once I got her head directly on my cervix, her birth was 2 hours later!

Have a wonderful day!

Oh, you read my mind! I'm planning on heading to the Y to swim (well, float ) Then, plan on walking. And, I've been spending a ton of time on the ball, it's really the only position that feels good! I doubt I'll do much resting today - since I did get some sleep last night.

[2 in August]

Oh Steph that is so exciting! I hope this is it for you. I'll check back later for more updates!

[peilover010202]

Well, back from the dr - not much news. Dr seems to think this is prodromal labor! I don't know. Still having ctx, intensity hasn't picked up, and they are still pretty far apart (10-15 minutes), so we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

I have a feeling this will lead into the "real thing" for me because this is how my entire labor with ds was. My ctx just never got uncomfortable until transition, then it was all over in 40 minutes. But, my early labor lasted about 30 hours.

Through all these contractions, I haven't dilated anymore, so that's a good sign for me to just keep hanging out on the birth ball, walking and going for a float in the pool. I'll keep you all updated.

[BirthFree]

Steph, my opinion would be prodromal labor too b/c of the fact that they aren't getting stronger and closer together as the hours pass along. It can signal a not-so-great-positioned-baby or it can just be the prep work your body needs... either way, don't get discouraged (OR exhausted) b/c of your start here. Can you get to a chiropractor? They can help baby move position and that might turn the light green for labor to go.

Either way, wishing you well and healthy labor vibes!
~Julie

[JenMidwife]

Steph, I hope you're hanging in there! I'm having lots of cramping, back pain & irregular contractions too... can we be prodormal buddies?

[KarmaChameleon]

I'd like to join the prodromal club -- I feel like I have been in prodromal land for about a week now -- especially since the thunderstorms last Fri night. Lots of contrax, sometimes only for a few hours at a time (every 5 min. for about 2 hours each night) like an engine trying to get started. And usually only when I am lying down on my side trying to get to sleep :

I have been staying up til midnight watching TV by myself while hubby is alseep with the girls -- maybe just savoring my last days alone in the darkness while life is still predictable and easy? Or maybe I am just so excited it's hard to settle down at night.

But for the first time in the pregnancy, I am sleeping 6 or 7 hours without having to pee!!!!!

[peilover010202]

Originally Posted by BirthFree

Steph, my opinion would be prodromal labor too b/c of the fact that they aren't getting stronger and closer together as the hours pass along. It can signal a not-so-great-positioned-baby or it can just be the prep work your body needs... either way, don't get discouraged (OR exhausted) b/c of your start here. Can you get to a chiropractor? They can help baby move position and that might turn the light green for labor to go.

Either way, wishing you well and healthy labor vibes!
~Julie

Thanks Julie! Yeah, it's gotta be prodromal labor. It's really disappointing for me since ctx really haven't stopped since that night. I've been swimming, walking, big circles on birth ball, hands and knees and pelvic tilts. I've also been to a chiro reguarly through this pregnancy too. But, I'll give my chiro a call tomorrow (today is her day out) to see if she can squeeze me in again tomorrow.

[peilover010202]

KC and Jen - Yes, let's join a "prodromal labor" group together! I'll start a separate thread so we can commisserate!