What kind of labor pattern is this?!?!

[mamamilkers]

Okay, I thought with the second baby things just happen, well, faster. So far, this labor is looking eerily like it did with DD#1 and that is pretty scary to me because I lost my energy to cope and ended up in the hospital with an epidural and pitocin.

I've been up all night. Literally. I rested, a bit, but I didn't sleep at all. I have had ctx pretty regularily since about 11:00 pm. Most of them are pretty strong (like I have to breathe through them and focus), but the kicker is they aren't close together. Maybe at best 5 minutes, but most more like 10-15.

I called my mw at about 3:00 am and she said to take a bath and try to get some sleep and call her when things picked up. Well, I took the bath, tried to sleep, things are kinda sorta maybe picking up now?

If this labor is anything like my first this baby won't be born until tomorrow afternoon. I can't do this that long!

Any words of wisdom, mamas? I feel like I'm being a big baby, but I'm super exhausted, and I can't imagine these ctx stopping, slowing down OR picking up!

[ColoradoMama]

I'm sorry you're having a rough time. Just because things have started out similarly doesn't mean they will continue that way. You can do it. Try to rest when you can to save your strength.

[crazyeight]

Don't get nervous!! Don't think negativly!! Your labor has started out slow but anything can happen!! Your a super momma who has gone through months and months of carring this child and you can do it!!

[peilover010202]

Oh mama! Hang in there, you can definitely do this. But, PLEASE try to get some rest now before those ctx get stronger and closer together. That will do a world of good for you.

My labor was similar to yours (strong ctx, close together, but was progressing SLOWLY), dh made me take a nap early on and it really helped. Even if you can't get to sleep, even trying the side-lying position to conserve energy would be helpful.

We're rooting for you mama!

[Zuri'smom]

Remember the natural alignment plateau! it may be happening to you where you are contracting for a long time, staying at the same cm dilation, and then BOOM, in a few contractions you'll open right up. REST, REST, REST if you can! try a lot of different positions, too, if you can't sleep. Don't let your fears sneak up on you - this IS a different baby and a different experience. WE're all pulling for you!!!