[Drewsmom]

to count now. I'm starting into my 4th day of being overdue which that in itself is totally fine. It's just that i've had so much early labor from pre-37 weeks on that it's really getting highly annoying. Last night once again I thought that this was it. I was having good strong contractions just not consistent, even one that I didn't want to talk through (and I had my first child naturally so I know what labor feels like). I had dh go load the car and then MIL who surprised us by coming up early a few days ago started pacing the halls and asking me how far apart they were, I probably wanted to take my jewelry off....etc, etc. things that I really don't want to be bothered with thank you. SHe had 6 children all with interventions and understands very little about childbirth (self admittedly) so I really don't want her comments or advice. The contractions stopped I was so frustrated and mad. I feel like a pot of water everyone's watching to boil. I just want everyone to go away and let me do my thing. The only thing is that it's been nice to have some extra hands to help wtih our toddler and not have to worry about leaving him in the middle of hte night if needs be.

Has anyone else had this? Is my mind totally holding me back? WIll my body ever just go into full blown labor. Btw I lost my plug 3 weeks ago and have been 2-3 cms dialated, 70% effaced for the last 3 weeks also. Baby is at 0 station. I don't think I'll actually know when I am in labor when it does happen!

 

[Cathi]

The exact same thing is happening to me. I'm due today but have been having good prelabor for about 3 weeks. Sunday I had good contractions 3 minutes apart and lasting 45-60 seconds from 1am until 3:15pm in the afternoon. That's when my husband decided to pick a fight with me about something totally inconsequential and I promptly had no more contractions until last night.

Again, thought this was it, walked a bit trying to get them going and POOF they went away after about 4 hours. GRrrrrrrr......

I feel your frustration.

False labor is the worst.

Oh, and if one more person calls my house asking if I've had the baby I'm gonna scream!!!

If I have her I WILL CALL [email protected]!

 

[tinyshoes]

MAMMAS! tsk, tsk!

there is no such thing as "false labor"!

Every little squeeze your womb does during the entire pregnancy is done for a reason...practice at first, and by this point in the pregnancy, these frustrating stop/start contractions are:

+ ripening your cervix more
+ dialating your cervix, teensy weensy bits every time
+ getting baby into position
+ helping baby tuck his/her chin
+ getting baby's hand away from her/his face to facilitate birth
and/or
+ getting your hormonal juices flowing

I know it's totally frustrating and how many times does a pregnant woman ask "is today the day" without those sneaky prelabor contractions!

HANG in there! This is just proof that your body knows what to do and is getting ready for your wonderful birth experience!

Happy Labor to you!!!

edited to add: w/ baby #2, I had 3 bouts of prelabor stuff, the third was so convincing that my mws all drove out to my house and spent the night. They left at 5 a.m. and I was dialated to 2 CMS!!! wah. But baby did come out, a week later.

 

[Drewsmom]

Thanks, it's just nice to commiserate

. Cathi, sorry it's happening to you too. I know, I know, it's not false labor. It's good practice and all but it's still frustrating when you're one contraction away from calling the midwifes and everyone you meet on the street is already asking you when they'll induce. Why are people in general so naive about pregnancy. Hello i'm only 4 days overdue!

I'll be looking for your birth announcement Cathi. Hope that all goes well, and don't worry I won't be calling you

.

 

[Spark]

Cathi & Drewsmom

It's just rough to go through what you're going through. With my first son I had ctx every other night from 11pm or 2am until the sun came up 2-3 mins apart. It lasted for three weeks until he was born. I was so exhausted by the time he came I felt like I wanted to sleep for a year...but I had a sleepless newborn! So, first of all, my rec is to keep your sleep level up. If the ctx are vampire ctx like my little guy, make sure you're taking many naps during the day to catch up.

Also, it's true each bought of ctx is helping your body. After my water broke (I was so happy FINALLY KNEW I was in labor) I was fully dialated after 5 hours and it was my first baby. Your ctx will probably help your labors be shorter than they would be otherwise. A friend of mine had a 30 hour labor with her first. With her 2nd she had so many patterned ctx that amounted to nothing or so she though. Then, that second baby that seemed like such a pain before labor was a fabulous labor for her. After her labor began (known by stronger sensations of ctx although farther apart than pre-term) her 2nd babe was born in 4 hours. So, hopefully every day of ctx is taking hours off your labor!

Drewsmom, I remember wondering the same thing -- when will I know I'm in labor. I did HypnoBirthing and figured pain would not be an indicator. Indeed when I was finally in labor, my ctx didn't feel any different pain wise to me, but since my water broke, I figured it was it. My ctx were 2-3 mins apart from right after my water broke, but then they did get more intense as time passed, dispite the length not getting closer. So, water breaking and increase in intensity was my indicator. You'll know when it's really labor. I promise.

Best wishes to you both! May your babes make their grand entrance soon! May your labors be peaceful and easy!