41 hours of contractions 8 mins apart? what to do?

[GravyElbow]

First baby here so any advice would be helpfull!

I'm 16 days Past due... having contractions since Wendsday 1:30 am at 8 minutes apart and todayagain at 8 minutes apart and lasting for 1-2 mins... Is this normal? should i worry that i won;t progress.... what can i do to accelerate it?

[Pandora114]

nipple stimulation.

Walk walk walk walk walk

try to get some sleep.

Trust me, try to get some sleep.

[mamallama]

I agree--eat and sleep.

Use the relaxation methods you've planned on using for labor to quiet your body and mind, and then when you're in a deep calm, ask your baby what s/he needs to be born.

Is s/he in a good positon?

Do you have any unresolved fears?

Does your body simply need a warm-up period?

Is it just not the right time yet? Some pregnancies take longer than others.

Good luck, mama. Prodromal labor can be really trying.

[Gray's Mommy]

Nipple stim will help the contrx. If you are able to sleep, sleep! You may already be exhausted & that makes for a super tired momma during pushing. Try your best to stay hydrated & eat when you can.

to you

[willowsmom]

What everyone else has said...
Nipple Stim, sleep, and stay hydrated.

Baby will come when baby is ready.
Try to relax and rest if you can.

[Mrs_Hos]

I would go to spinningbabies.com and check out some of the exercises they have--the baby may be malpositioned and just need a little help getting in a good position to get your contrax to be more effective.
I wouldn't worry as long as you're feeling baby move, and/or having good heart tones.
My guess is that after doing some of the exercises and baby geting into better position, then s/he may be coming out quick!
Good luck mama!!

[pamamidwife]

I agree about making sure baby is in a good position. Resting as much as possible - I even recommend things like a glass of wine, some Unisom or something to help as a sleep aid. It makes a huge difference.

Sometimes we don't know why labors take a long time - your body and your baby are working together and they both understand. There could be something that requires labor to happen more slowly and then pick up later.

Good luck to you -

[krismarie]

lots of good advice here...

if you do have fears- talking about them and working through them will help! I definately progressed "slowly" b/c i had to let some fears out... your body knows what to do...some woman experience contractions like this for days while their body gets ready to birth.

do things that relax you! walk a lot! think positively!

[gardenmommy]

I always like a nice hot shower when I have contractions like that. It seems to help me relax. I'll use some nice-smelling lotion on my body when I get out, have a cup of hot tea, and take a nap. If labor is going to start, it usually will for me, if not, at least I've had a nice shower and a nap!