Restarting contractions? Any hints?

**dusty** · August 11th, 2010, 07:01 AM

Yesterday I took 1.5 tbsps of castor oil and 4.5 hours later contractions started (

) and lasted for about 7.5 hours with differing intensity and lengths so I presume it was just early or prelabour. I managed to sleep through the breaks in contractions for about 2 hours but then at some time in the night I just slept through and contractions must have stopped.

We are going to go for a big walk this morning to help get things moving again. I'm not sure what else I should be doing to help things along or whether its better to take the opportunity to get more sleep in preparation. I'll see my midwife this morning and she may give me another S&S but I wondered if anyone had any hints for how I could gently start contractions again? I'm not sure I want to do the castor oil trick again.

**~Raven~** · August 11th, 2010, 07:30 AM

Walking and sex

I had a go on the trampoline too but that just made me want to pee

**~Trish~** · August 11th, 2010, 07:37 AM

Yep, I agree with Raven (apart from the trampoline

). Some brisk walking and DTD

. Make sure you rest when not doing those things!

My pre-labour started a few days before DD was born and she came quickly! Good luck Dusty, I think of you often

.

**suse** · August 11th, 2010, 07:38 AM

Sex did it for us, and lots of walking up stairs. Acupuncture helped heaps too.

And of course, I just wanted to chime in to say Gooooo Dusty!!!! Big hugs to you!!

**Cherished** · August 11th, 2010, 07:39 AM

Caster oil

I wouldn't be doing that again either. How about acupuncture, massage with pressure/trigger points, light touch nipple stimulation, I 2nd the sex thing (a few times) apparently not only the 'action' down there but also the sperm can get things happening, I don't know about the big walk, that just sounds like it would make me tired, a slow 15 mins would be ok but don't go over board, you will need your energy in labour. Goodluck, will be looking for your BA soon

**Mother Goose** · August 11th, 2010, 07:47 AM

No suggestions but wishing you well! Hope things happen soon!

**Arimeh** · August 11th, 2010, 07:54 AM

Shake your booty!!!!! Definitely try it - more effective than sex apparently. You shake from the top of your head all the way down your body, so put on some good music otherwise you feel a bit like a dope.. lol... and you do it until a contraction comes and then stop. Then do it again like 5 minutes later, for as long as you can handle it.

I think I did mine in 20 minute sessions.

Worked for me!!

**Mak** · August 11th, 2010, 08:03 AM

Definitely agree with the walking but also I would try some meditation, guided visualisation or trying to release the thoughts of going into labour (ITMS). I was under the induction date time line too and it was only when I completely let go of the idea of this deadline that things started to happen. I hope that doesn't sounds patronising as I don't intend it to but I had been to daily CTG's and was working myself up about it all. Once I thought 'Sod it, what ever happens happens' I had bubs 12 hours later.
My BF swears by scrubbing the floors, lol!!!!
Maybe catch a movie, go to a gallery for a wander? When you do feel the Cx I would keep moving!
Won't be long!!!!

**csab** · August 11th, 2010, 07:35 AM

Hi there Dusty hun, Im sitting here sending you lots of lovely labour vibes.
Now Im not too sure on what else can rev up your contractions again, but the walk might help. Also DTD thats helped for me.
One thing I might add though is when my labours started and then stopped, between one hour and eight hours my contractions started up again. So thats what could be happening. The S & S might help too.

GL hun, your going to do a wonderful job bringing pheonix into the world. Loads of hugs.

**OceanPrincess** · August 12th, 2010, 08:33 AM

Ahh dusty you poor thing. I know what the external pressure can be like - my dad kept telling me to "hurry up and have the baby!"

He was only joking but gee it rubbed.

You sound like you have a great attitude - utilize your DH to screen the pressure away where possible. Turn your mobile off, don't answer the land line... Spend some time talking to Phoenix, stroke your belly and tell him/her that you are ready and waiting to meet him/her!

Have lots of cuddles with DH. Try expressing - 5mins one side then wait... Try the other side after ctxs have started and stooped.

The thing that I think worked for me was having a big meltdown, emotionally. If you feel yourself getting ovrwhelmed and teary, just let it all out. I felt like my body was letting me down, it had gone into spontaneous labour before my Edd once before, why was I now over?? So I let it all out and went into labour 12hrs later.

Huge hugs. We are all here for you, in the most supportive, non-pressuring way possible.

**Arimeh** · August 12th, 2010, 09:28 AM

Totally agree with Ocean Princess.

I didn't go into labour with DD1 and I went to 42 weeks and I'm sure it was because of the pressure to go into labour.

My best advice? Turn off the computer. Give your mobile to your DH. Are you scared at all about labouring? I found with DD2 I didn't go into labour until I realised why I was having small panic attacks every night.... I was scared shiatless of going into labour!! I'd never done it before (even though it was my 3rd pregnancy) and I had so many doubts that I could physically do it... and I was just plain scared. As soon as I admitted that to myself - the tears started. I cried and cried and cried - letting it all out.

That was at midnight, and I had my first contraction at 5am.

Do you think there is something mentally blocking you? Perhaps a meditation session to connect your mind and body will help.

Good luck Dusty - it will happen eventually, so don't give up hope - even though I know exactly what you are feeling and its so very hard.

**onthefly** · August 12th, 2010, 09:43 AM

Your body and baby are telling you it won't be long now. Rest up and get plenty of cuddles and good loving from your DH.

**csab** · August 12th, 2010, 09:45 AM

I just want to

for Mumma Dusty, she is doing a wonderful job. I say enjoy these last few days being pgy, enjoy all the pampering and attention. Pheonix will definately be here soon.

With one of my pgcy's I was anxious and worried about the date the Dr's were going to give me for my c/s. As soon as they gave me the date, I relaxed and went into labour the next day. So relaxing is definately a way to go. It can really help, move things along.

" I missed your last update hun, I wish you all the best with your appt today hun, and I am so glad your DH is trying to shield you from everything. Just remember its your decision on what you want to do, and dont lose faith in your body" hugs

**Yeddi** · August 12th, 2010, 10:01 AM

The thing that I think worked for me was having a big meltdown, emotionally. If you feel yourself getting ovrwhelmed and teary, just let it all out. I felt like my body was letting me down, it had gone into spontaneous labour before my Edd once before, why was I now over?? So I let it all out and went into labour 12hrs later.

That's not actually a bad idea. If you are stressed Dusty, your body will be full of adrenaline that needs somewhere to go so it stops interfering with oxytocin release. You could just let all your frustration out on a pillow - yell, scream, punch it without holding back and let your body burn up those stores.

**Honeybee** · August 12th, 2010, 12:57 PM

Hope all went well at your appointment this morning, Dusty. Have been thinking of you and Phoenix every day. xxxx

**mrsmac** · August 12th, 2010, 04:59 PM

Hope the appt went well.

***Infinity*** · August 12th, 2010, 08:42 PM

Dusty, just wanted to pop in & let you know I'm quietly thinking of you and cheering you on as you prepare to welcome Phoenix earthside. Like Mel said, mabe you just need to bunker down, release anything you're holding onto emotionally and let things flow from there.

I hope you're appointment went well today.