let me be the 1000th person to ask: am i in labor??

[IntimateIndulgence]

today has been such a frustrating day. i woke up this morning with a bit of bloody show (i lost my plug a few weeks ago) and just a feeling of "today is the day" ive been having a lot of contractions but the bulk of them seem to go away when i sit down which isnt consistent with labor contractions. i just got back home from the chiropractor because i have been having intense lower back pain and seeing him didnt help the back pain. the bloody show has continued, but contractions just dont seem to be following any pattern or increasing in any kind of intensity. also, yesterday i was 3cm dilated, 70% effaced, and babys head was at 0 station, but this is my first successful pregnancy and im only 38w6d so its not like im past due. i just got myself all psyched up thinking it was gonna be today but now im starting to think none of these things are an indication of anything certain, and i may still have weeks. any insight??

thanks
linzee

[iemaja]

I would encourage you to take a warm bath, perhaps have a glass of wine, and take a nap.

Remember: the mucous plug can and does regenerate. You will most likely continue to have some ooey-gooey stuff (like my scientific terms? haha) continue to come out until baby is born. The more work your body does gradually now, the better that bodes for your labor and birth.


It is so important to rest as much as you can right now. You have free license to sleep/nap/watch movies/eat as much as you want right now. You'll be thankful you rested later.

and hugs for a beautiful labor and birth

[IntimateIndulgence]

it def has been regenerating.. and coming out with the show. it has been my understanding that the blood is from the capillaries in the cervix breaking as it dilates.. so continually seeing pink discharge would have to be a good sign of progress, right? i just ran out to the store to get some evening primrose oil, got my red rasp leaf tea all brewed, and im about to take a nice long walk and see what happens from there.

thanks for the good vibes!

[mamato3cherubs]

I agree whit the post above. Sounds like it could go either way and really, relax. It is hard, but do it. You are most likely right about the pink. If your body is slowly working, let it do it while you rest! You will be glad when it makes things go smoother when they do really hit!

More good vibes to you!!

[greene_mama]

I had similar signs for several days...things sound like they're progressing, but you will definitely know it when the "true labor" starts. There will be no doubt. As all PP's have said, relax as much as possible, warm baths, movies, walks, and rest up! This part can go on for quite a long time, so enjoy it as much as you can and save your energy.

Best wishes for a happy birth!!:

[amygoforth]

Everything you're experiencing sounds like prelabor -- especially given that your contractions stop when you change position. This could go on for several days, so try to ignore it as much as possible and go on about your daily life. One of the worst things you can do for yourself at this point is to get so mentally bogged down with "Is this IT?!" thoughts that you wear yourself out emotionally. Be kind to yourself. Your body know what it's doing.

One suggestion I have is to try hands-and-knees pelvic tilts several times a day. It might help your back discomfort, and help your baby get into a better position for labor.

HTH!