In early labour for 14 hrs - pls help!!!

[Marant]

Hi guys - pls help

Ive been having contractions on average every 8 mins for more than 14 hrs... they are now very intense and last from 40 - 60 secs. Called the birthing unit 6 hrs ago and were told to stay home until cntrx are less than 5 mins apart. They are not all that regular in their timing eg. I can have a few that are 5-6 mins apart and then go back to 8-9 mins ones .

I lost my mucus plug 17 hrs ago but I dont think it was the whole thing although it was blood stained - sorry TMI. Ive been up all night had 2 panadols but they had no effect, Ive had to stand through my cntrxs as it is too painful to sit or lay down.

Last night I had a shower and a 1 hr walk which seemed to make them stronger also been feeling a bit nauseous.

What do I do??? Should I call the birthing unit again or just try to stick it out???
BTW this is my 1st preg and am 38 + 3.

I would appreciate any advice and maybe some of your experiences to compare. Thanx in advance.

[Inertia]

I wouldnt go to the hospital until they are regular and close. I know it hurts, really bad and I know that you can see the finish line and can't wait to cross it, but going in too soon is setting yourself up for disappointment. You really do not want to get in there and find out how little you have dilated - if at all - for all the pain you have just been through.

Just hold on at home a bit longer and keep an eye on the times.

I should add, don't worry about how long you have been labouring. 14 hours is fairly normal for pre-labour. I've had it last weeks.

[HotI]

There is no harm in calling the birthing centre. They may give you some ideas to help it along, and they will know if you should come in. Also if you are really struggling and want to see someone, go in. You can always go home again if you want to labour more at home.

good luck

[BabyQ]

Hi, first, CONGRATULATIONS! (though i know it doesn't feel like it for the moment)..ok - I"m assuming you have a birth partner or someone there with you now...so with that in mind...

1. if hospital isn't too far, see if you can hold out for a little longer- but not so much that a carride would be unbearable (as you can't sit down during contractions)
2. get into the shower while someone is running a bath for you (keep in mind this may progress labour quite quickly

[LaDeeDa]

Try having a nice warm bath or shower and a couple of panadol to make your more comfortable.
My opinion is to stay home as long as you can as you'll be much more comfy at home.

Good Luck

[squidipa]

i would do what u feel most comfortable with pain relief at a hospital would be my best friend but you may choose to go a drug free birth and thats o.k. call the center and tell them how ur feeling.

[Indadhanu]

Definietly don't go in until they are regular or you absolutely cant stand it anymore, as once you arrive you're 'on the clock' and have higher risk of interventions.

[Marant]

I would like to thank all of you for a quick response
Im trying to hang on as much as I can as I dont want to go to the birthing unit yet.
My DH is with me and Im using the cat as a heat pack... Will try to laydown a bit and then have a shower later on.

Once again thanx for all your support and advice, Ill keep u posted.

[~clover~]

Yeah, shower will be good. Try to keep active if your not too tired. (Just pacing the hallway helped me, nothing too strenuous) If your tired, sleep (or rest).
I just wanted to let you know that I had the 5 min apart plan with DD2, but when the contractions were too intense they were still 30 minutes apart. I gave up & got ready & they hit 5 minutes apart.
With DS they never actually got regular. Some were 3 minutes apart, others were 6 minutes apart - & that was not long before birth.
Do what you feel comfortable with. Just try to relax Ring them if you need reassurance - they can tell alot from the sound if your voice through a contraction.

Goodluck hun!! It'll all be over soon

[Footsteps]

no advice just good luck huni...look forward to your BA.
xoxox

[koru]

OK I haven't been there yet but have you got access to some Clary Sage Oil? (or can you send someone to get it for you?). I've got it on hand to 'ramp up' a stubborn labour if necessary. You can either put it in a bath (though if you have a bath too early it could slow things down again) or just put a few drops in a 'carrier oil' (even olive oil will do here) and massage into your back & belly. I've heard it works a treat - good luck!!!

[2CheekyMonkeys]

i havent ever had to have the worry of when to go to hossy cause i was induced both times so was there from beginning to end. but my plan was to stay home as long as possible, you will be more comfortable in familiar surroundings. a shower would be great, heat pack, get your partner to massage you. just try to find a comfy position. if it all gets too much then go to hospital cause they will be able to give you some gas or something (if thats what you want to do ofcourse). all the best!

[star child]

OK I haven't been there yet but have you got access to some Clary Sage Oil? (or can you send someone to get it for you?). I've got it on hand to 'ramp up' a stubborn labour if necessary. You can either put it in a bath (though if you have a bath too early it could slow things down again) or just put a few drops in a 'carrier oil' (even olive oil will do here) and massage into your back & belly. I've heard it works a treat - good luck!!!

agree with thoil

[Marant]

Just wanted to say big THANX to everyone for your support!!!

I actualy stayed home until I was 9 cm dilated - until Sat 5.30am!!!! Gave birth Sat 8/8/09 7.15am and now have a beautiful healthy boy named Leonardo

Will post my birth story soon

[Julie Doula]

Oh, well done! Go, you! Sounds like you timed it very well. Very wise of you to do the lion's share of labour at home - best way to dodge the cascade of intervention. I laughed at you using the cat for a heat pack.

Congratulations!

[Tobily]

Well done! Congratulations, that's fantastic!

[AwesomeFoursome]

Congratulations!!!! Well done.