[sarlusan]

So I have been contracting off and on for months, have a history of two preemies, am just exactly 36 weeks today and I stopped procardia and bedrest yesterday. Last night I was having painful contractions every 3-5 minutes apart for 9 hours so I finally went into the hospital. (I only showed up 20 minutes before my son was born so I'm not sure I will ever get this timing thing right...) Anyway, I was only 2 cm dilated, they had me walk for an hour then checked again, no change, sent me home still having painful contractions every 3-5 minutes. I managed to get to sleep and today the contractions are still there but much less painful.

Part of me thinks, now that I'm 36 weeks I should just find someone to come over to help with with a home birth and never go back to the hospital again! Ha, ha. But seriously, I would welcome any idle predictions as to how much longer this is going to go on... and ways to know for sure when it's the right time to go back again!

Thanks for listening!

 

[KristyDi]

I have no useful advice (sorry) But I can make random predictions. I think you'll be holding you sweet LO by this time Wednesday.

Hope you're able to rest comfortable till it's time for your labor to ramp up.

 

[Beccadoula]

You might want to look into finding a doula. She could come labor with you and you might not need to go to the hospital for a while. It sounds like you should walk a lot, find some stairs to go up/down several times a day. AND mostly just relax! Some women just have a long time...those contractions are probably thinning the cervix instead of opening it. Everyone's body works a little differently, but in time you'll have your baby in your arms!!!

:

 

[Jilian]

Congrats on making it to 36 weeks after having 2 preemies!!! That must be such a relief. It is hard to tell how long it will last, sometimes you can have labor that starts and stops a bit before it really gets going. But any labor you have is progress, so don't get discouraged. Sex and evening primrose oil can help your cervix along. Nip stimulation doesn't hurt either. I usually tell clients it is time to go to the hospital when you no longer feel comfortable being at home. Or when you start to feel a bit panicky (a sign of transition).

 

[sarlusan]

Thanks, ladies! I had a regularly scheduled dr. appt. this afternoon and dr. said he doesn't think I'll have to wait too much longer... and to go in when it hurts worse than it did last night.

I like the Wednesday prediction, though. I could use a little more sleep tonight.

 

[meganmarie]

I hope you are sleeping now!

If not, have a nice glass of wine and go to bed LOL

- my doula's advice when I had pokey labor signs.

In deciding when to go to the hospital, I followed the instructions in the Bradley method. Was 9-10cm dilated at hospital arrival both times. Loosely paraphrased:
1. contractions 4 minutes apart AND one minute long for AT LEAST one hour
2. contractions hard enough that you can't talk or do anything else through them
3. very serious (even anxious or doubting) emotional state - not excited, happy, calm or neutral

Sending you good labor vibes and best wishes for a smooth birth.

 

[mamayarn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by meganmarie I hope you are sleeping now! In deciding when to go to the hospital, I followed the instructions in the Bradley method. Was 9-10cm dilated at hospital arrival both times. Loosely paraphrased: 1. contractions 4 minutes apart AND one minute long for AT LEAST one hour 2. contractions hard enough that you can't talk or do anything else through them 3. very serious (even anxious or doubting) emotional state - not excited, happy, calm or neutral

Hrmph. This was 2cm for me last go around.

I obviously have no idea what to tell you, OP, but congrats on making 36 weeks!

 

[*MamaJen*]

I second the recommendation for a glass of wine.

 

[sarlusan]

Well, just an update that things have been pretty quiet down there and there is no baby yet! Meanwhile we've passed the 37 week mark and are now expecting our first full-termer!

Thanks everyone for your responses.

 

[jeliphish]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarlusan Well, just an update that things have been pretty quiet down there and there is no baby yet! Meanwhile we've passed the 37 week mark and are now expecting our first full-termer! Thanks everyone for your responses.

I've been wondering about you. I thought you may have had the baby! I'm still waiting too lol!! I have "passively" dilated to a 5...and NOTHING is happening!

 

[sarlusan]

Jeliphish - Wow your baby must be clenching your ribs pretty tight! I've been wondering about you, too! How are you feeling - ready? I'm sort of enjoying being hugely and publicly pregnant for the first time ever - but I'm also ready whenever this baby is!!