possible?

[EmilyVorpe]

Is it possible to go from 0 cm dilated to being in labor 7 hours later?? She told me I wouldn't go for 2 more weeks, but I'm contracting very regularly painfully.... I'm so sick of calling them and having them tell me I'm not ready yet...

[mothercat]

Cervical checks only tell you what is going on at the moment you get checked. They have no predictive value and yes things can change quickly.
In fact the process of doing a cervical check can cause the release of prostaglandins and if you are "ripe", possibly put you into labor.

It is possible to check your own cervix. Works best if baby is low and your arms are a little on the longer side to get around the tummy. If the baby has dropped down, don't be too surprised if you bump into the head.

[EmilyVorpe]

I'm in some pain....a lot of discomfort....a LOT of discharge.... but I really just don't want to go to the hospital for no reason.......
But, as for the baby being low...... she WAS...and she went up. They had me to take that terbutiline (whatever its called) , even after my 36 week mark. I stopped taking it on my own 9 days ago because I was afraid itd make me go longer... I had been at 2cm and she was VERY low...that was until yesterday....and she seemed to slip back up and I undilated and my cervix got thicker.... so wtf? Like I said, I just wish I knew what this was. They gave me ambien so I can get some sleep through my "cramps".....so hopefully that'll work for me tonight...........

Originally Posted by mothercat

Cervical checks only tell you what is going on at the moment you get checked. They have no predictive value and yes things can change quickly.
In fact the process of doing a cervical check can cause the release of prostaglandins and if you are "ripe", possibly put you into labor.

It is possible to check your own cervix. Works best if baby is low and your arms are a little on the longer side to get around the tummy. If the baby has dropped down, don't be too surprised if you bump into the head.

[mothercat]

First baby?

The discharge, is it goopy, mucousy looking stuff with maybe a bit of pink or red? Could be bloody show?

If you can sleep, it would be a good idea. If it's labor, you need the rest and if it's not, then you still need the rest.

Could be early labor or the warming up stuff, but all those contractions do something. There are six ways to measure progress in labor and those contractions are probably making at least one of those happen.

As for your midwives, you may feel like you are being a nuisance and they may be annoyed with you calling so much, but that is their job. Your paying them to guide you in this process.

BTW: babies are known for moving up and down in the pelvis when they have an ample pelvis to move about in. Just because the baby moved up and you undilated is not a bad sign. Your cervix is still stretchy and since you had already made that progress, it will be easier to get to that point again (less work).

[cottonwood]

Oh yes, very possible. I was in labor for 50 hours without dilating, then went from 0-10 in four hours.

[mwherbs]

yes-- when I had my first- the day before I had her the doctor said I would have the baby in a month and that the baby weighed 5 lbs- born the next day after 12 hrs of labor (latent and active phase) she weighed 10 lbs 5 oz--- so yes very possible ...
good birth

[roadfamily6now]

possible?

Um yeah, I was 0cm......1 hour later baby was born in the shower.

[EmilyVorpe]

Thank you guys! I'm still having the contractions but they've slowed...so I don't know, maybe I'll just think I'm in labor every night for 2 more weeks? ehk.
But it does give me hope that maybe possibly she COULD be here soon.

[Maggi315]

totally...that's why checks don't tell us much about when you are going into labor or predict how long labor will be...hopefully you will have your baby soon!!!

[SublimeBirthGirl]

One of the worst things you can do is take things seriously too early and obsess about every change in fluid, every contraction, etc. Try to relax and just take things as they come. The truth is, this *could* go on for 2 more weeks. Or longer. Or it may not. There's no way to know. It's okay to call the midwives, but calling them won't make the baby come. Only the baby can do that. So try to kick back, stay busy but rested, and wait

[Turtlemum]

I find sometimes when babies are trying to get into a good position they cause start and stop contractions, or seem low during one vaginal check and then high in another...if you are well rested and the cramping or contractions start up again, try forward leaning positions. Maybe even getting on your hands and knees, leaning over a coffee table while you relax and watch tv if you're tired. Good luck mama, it will happen!

[chandasz]

So.... EmilyVorpe? What's happening!?

[EmilyVorpe]

Originally Posted by chandasz

So.... EmilyVorpe? What's happening!?

Nothing Nothing happens... ONLY at night do I get the contractions...and they disappear after 4 hours or so...... SO I've resigned to the fact that I'm going to be MISERABLE and "in labor" forever

[mothercat]

Sorry about the miserable part, but even if the contractions you are having are not resulting in a birth right now, it doesn't mean they aren't getting some of the work of early labor done.
There are six ways to measure progress in labor. The contractions could be helping the baby get into a better position, bringing your cervix forward, dilating, or effacing.
Had a birth over the weekend where the mom and baby kept doing the same stuff. When she finally got into good labor, it was only 5 hours, with another 15 minutes for pushing.
She told me she could feel the baby move down nto a good position and then back up a few hours later when labor stopped again. Did this several times over several days. She feels the baby just needed to find the right position, but all the contractions helped the mom get some of the work out of the way earlier.
Try not to put too much energy into this part of things. Just ignore it. The labor which brings the baby will eventually be obvious.

[EmilyVorpe]

She's here! 6 hours, unmedicated! yay! went into the hospital at 8cm--labor didnt hurt AT ALL but pushing was almost like death
anyway, thats all!!

[koru]

wow! just started skimming this thread & a happy ending already! congrats, mama!

[cfiddlinmama]

Congratulations mama! Enjoy your babymoon!

[CMcC]

Congrats!!!!

[1stimestar]

Heeheeeheee. Seems those contrations WERE doing something. Congratulations!

[feminist~mama]

Congratulations!