labour help?

[brighterdiscontent]

this is my first baby and im about 41 weeks i woke up this morning with a bad stomach and have had a slight crampy feeling all day and was just wandering if anyones labour started like this. Also if anyone has any comments to make about getting a membrane sweep because if this is not the real thing i have been offered a sweep on tuesday. any help is much appreciated. thank you

[annakiss]

Sounds like good stuff happening.

Membrane sweeps are unnecessary and won't really do a lot. What it entails is sweeping the membrane from the rim of the cervix. This loosens the amniotic sac from the cervix, theoretically encouraging contractions, dilation, or just the early beginnings of getting things going. The manual manipulation can encourage contrx. etc. all on its own, but if you're not ready for labor, it won't do a whole lot. You can bleed and cramp a bit afterward and it can be quite uncomfortable. If you're concerned about low intervention, leave it. Keep other people's hands out of your vagina.

[brighterdiscontent]

Originally Posted by annakiss

Sounds like good stuff happening.

Membrane sweeps are unnecessary and won't really do a lot. What it entails is sweeping the membrane from the rim of the cervix. This loosens the amniotic sac from the cervix, theoretically encouraging contractions, dilation, or just the early beginnings of getting things going. The manual manipulation can encourage contrx. etc. all on its own, but if you're not ready for labor, it won't do a whole lot. You can bleed and cramp a bit afterward and it can be quite uncomfortable. If you're concerned about low intervention, leave it. Keep other people's hands out of your vagina.

thanks

[sarahn4639]

sounds promising. i'd eat if you can and then go for a walk. good luck!

[thixle]

i woke up this morning with a bad stomach and have had a slight crampy feeling all day and was just wandering if anyones labour started like this.

Yep, and then i cleaned the house like a madwoman

Also if anyone has any comments to make about getting a membrane sweep because if this is not the real thing i have been offered a sweep on tuesday

I wouldn't do it. To me, it's kind of like getting punched in the gut so you can poop- sure, it could make some productive cramps, but it's going to hurt either way.
And if your water actually breaks, it's going to be more painful because there will be noting between you and the babies head to help you slowly dialate.


oh... and WELCOME :

[Nan'sMom]

Another factor to consider with a membrane sweep is that it is very possible (sometimes accidentally, sometimes on purpose) to rupture the membranes when doing it, which can lead to a malpositioned baby and/or being "on the clock", with the risk of concurrent interventions. I think keeping healthcare provider hands out of there is a great idea.

Happy laboring and birthing to you!

[brighterdiscontent]

thanks for the replies still no little one yet BUT i have just lost my plug and i am hoping it will be soon. because i have lost my plug i am not going to get a sweep as im hopefull it will all happen its self. did anyone lose there's and go into labour the same day?
sorry for all the questions as you can tell he is my first and i am scared yet very excited

[annakiss]

It can take awhile from losing your plug until labor begins. It can be the same day, or, like me, it can be another week or more. I know you're anxious, but it really will happen in its own time. Unfortunately for pregnant women when the rest of us say "soon," the pregnant brain thinks "sometime later today or tomorrow" when the non-pregnant-brained truth is something more along the lines of "sometime in the next week." So hang in there. You won't be pregnant forever.

If you wait for labor to start naturally, you will get the optimal flood of hormones and be best positioned for natural birth. Just give it time. Meditate on trusting your body and your baby. Let go of any fears or concerns you might have. Relax and breathe.