Contractions just stopped!

[Mum2Willie]

Yesterday, I thought labour had started. How often do contractions just stop???

I had some period pain, low down, in the morning. And I also felt like I was going to be sick!!! It intensified (back pain too) late morning and then at noon - bang - contraction. The pain built, to a point where I had to stop in my tracks - ouchy wa wa - and then eased. Then bubs had a little move. Had a look at the clock. Ten minutes later - off it went again.

This happened for 90mins - every 10-12mins! So I started packing, toddler was asleep! Texted DH to keep an eye on his phone! I thought a shower would help. Then it all stopped!!! Nothing since the shower.

Bhs continued all afternoon but there was no pain - just the tightenings!!

I have period pain and back ache again this morning.

How often to contractions just stop like that? Does that mean the beginning of labour or could I have nothing again for days?

I am due next Wednesday...having s&s on Monday and induced Wednesday or Friday next week...(due to gestational diabetes) .... but would love to go naturally as was induced last time and had not a niggle!! So this stopping and starting is new...but they were definitely contractions.

I have organised for DH to start time off next Tuesday after s&s and have to organise toddler, so...

I would love your thoughts??? Is labour near??

[~Serenity~]

It sounds like pre labour I got it for about 4 days for 6 hours straight a day but like bad period pain my longest labour was 6 hours though so it does do something it means it should happen soon though you might have a few mor sessions of them slightly close mine started one day 10 min apart next day 8, then 6 then 4 so when real labour started it was 2 min apart and way more painful...

How exciting

[lismith25]

Oh I hope so, this pre-labour thing is a real drag....am I , aren't I, could it be, maybe!!!!! Just get on with it for god sake....sorry been awake since 4 can you tell

But I am getting period pain too so hopefully it means things are moving....fingers crossed, if you go soon there is hope for me 11 days and counting

[Visitor7]

I agree, sounds like pre-labour. I had it for 4 weeks with DD2 The only upside was once labour actually stared it was really quick

[Jandals]

I don't have first hand experience of a long pre-labour but one of my good friends had her 3rd baby on Friday after 3 days of what you've described, and then less than 1.5 hrs of active labour She only just made it to the hospital and came very close to delivering in the foyer. So my advice would be to get to the hospital as soon as things crank up a bit as you ladies that have long pre-labour seem to go super fast at the end.

Good luck

[~Raven~]

I had lots of prelabour too. Be wary that it could start properly but try not to get disheartened if it doesn't. It could go on for a week!

I agree it's frustrating but it's making things nice and ready for the big event. The 3 of mine that I had prelabour for were 2 hours or less

[Mum2Willie]

Ooh, I don't mind a long prelabour if it makes labour quick - not at all!!!!!

[AliB]

Oooh I'm jealous now, where are MY days and days of exhausting and frustrating pre-labour?!? :P

[flygirl]

I have been in this pre-labour phase for 12 days now and I am throughly sick of it. I went to the hospital on Sun Feb 6th with contractions 3 mins apart and found out I was 5cm dilated. After 5 hours I was no further on and so I came home. I have periods of mild contractions every day and night and it is driving me insane. I have had 4 s&s but still nothing came of them. The worst part is feeling pretty much tied to the house as I know that when things start to hot up it will be fast. I fact I feel as if I am under house arrest.

I am going to the hospital for a scan tomorrow and if the baby hasn't come by then I will be begging them to induce me. (I am not booked in to be induced unitl Feb 26th)

As you can tell I am very, very fed up.

[AliB]

Oh Flygirl that is such a long time to put up with the uncertainty - you're half way there but not progressing!! I hope things go to plan today.

[CinderToriella]

I had lots of prelabour too. Be wary that it could start properly but try not to get disheartened if it doesn't. It could go on for a week!

I agree it's frustrating but it's making things nice and ready for the big event. The 3 of mine that I had prelabour for were 2 hours or less

Oh u made me smile lol

i have lots of pre labour and its so annoying coz i am always is it time is it time

I am all up for a quick labour touch wood

[RoyaUK]

i've been having contractions ranging from 10 mins apart to 30 mins apart 24 hours a day consistently for the last 4 days - i'm just exhausted. Just want things to either stop so i can sleep or speed up so i can meet bubs.

[CinderToriella]

i've been having contractions ranging from 10 mins apart to 30 mins apart 24 hours a day consistently for the last 4 days - i'm just exhausted. Just want things to either stop so i can sleep or speed up so i can meet bubs.

oh u poor thing!
can i ask what they feel like for u? what feelings are u having

[lismith25]

Im back from Hospital......nothing to report baby only just in 1/5......well I guess its something Still having period pains, mw tried to tell me it was bh but its not, as I have been having them pretty regularly so i know them .
And my next appointment will be 40 +5 I am DESPARATELY trying to change it to +1, as I want an S+S asap after due date, in the hope of avoiding induction.

Might have to try seducing hubby tonight.........hum should be interesting
How you travelling m2w, hope your contractions have started up again.

[Mum2Willie]

Lis - at least bubs is engaged!!! That is a start - but very annoying that they can't see you for s&s until +5 days!!!

flygirla nd royaUK - it sounds so frustrating and exhausting to be having such constant contractions and being housebound like that...quick labour vibes to you!!!

ATM - Well - nothing!!! Had period pain yesterday and lots of BH's, pelvic pressure and felt spewy!! But no contractions! Today - all has been quiet 2! S&s on Monday and told induction date for next week.

[RoyaUK]

Shell1 - they don't feel like period pains for me. It feels like something (baby's head!!) is pushing bang in between my legs and is trying to push out - painful.

But it's a wave like feeling so i can sense when it's just about happening and if i manage to stand up or rest over the edge of the bed and get my body in a better position i can cope. The feeling increases in intensity for 15 secs, reaches a peak then flows away again. So lasting under a min in total.

i have to focus on breathing in as whilst it's happening i'm groaning loudly and breathing out a lot and have to remember to take in oxygen for my body and the baby!

If it's whilst i'm lying down and don't get up out of bed in time then the contraction literally pins me down to the bed and i can't move until it's over and it feels 10 times more painful than if i stand and rock my hips. i have to bite my pillow and groan it out until it passes.

I've become best friends with my TENS machine - it's much harder without it.

Then when it's over, it's over. And as it has been happening for almost 5 days now, i'm almost resigned to this pattern! But some sleep would be very much appreciated - hope i have the energy for when labour ramps up.

Is this what others have been feeling?

[Mum2Willie]

RoyaUK - the wave sensation of building, peaking, then disappearing fits with me. I have a very low period pain stretching as well. I agree with the leaning forward thing. I find that is the easiest way to get through it. The contractions for me come after a couple of hours of achey period pain and back ache. It's like the warning sign. Saying that - not much has happened since.

[flygirl]

Thank you for your good wishes. I went for my scan yesterday and all is well with baby, which is good to know. It is estimated at 8lb 10oz, so a little larger than I was hoping for!!! My date for induction still stands at 42w, next Friday, so the end is in sight. Seeing other mothers-to-be at the hospital with real concerns about the health of their babies gave me a bit of a wake-up call and made me realise that I should stop whingeing and learn to be patient.
Good luck to all the pre-labour ladies, we will seeing our babies really soon...