thread: For those who have been through it all before....

  1. #1

    Jan 2011
    Hunter Valley, NSW
    305

    For those who have been through it all before....

    What did you do when you first thought you were in labor? With my first I stayed in bed & didn't move until I eventually got up to have a bath (at home - 7hrs after first contraction) before going to the hospital. I didn't get to the hospital until I was 8cm dilated. This time round, I don't want to just lie there but I don't know what to do.

    Not that I have woken DH yet as he's only just gone to bed after a shift at work but I think I could be in early early labor ??? I have had about 9 contractions or so in the last 1 1/2hrs. I decided while I could, I'd pack the rest of the bags with the every day things I couldn't put in before. Now what? lol.

    Maybe I'm not too cos I had those 'contractions' while lying down and since I have been up and walking around they have not returned but my belly keeps tightening up (but with no pain like before).

    It's 3.30am with not much happening on TV or fb, lol.

  2. #2
    2014 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    Mar 2010
    1,200

    I would rest until you can't lay down through them anymore. Have some long walks and baths today if you can. Sounds like pre labour, which works towards the labour too... go well, will be thinking of you!

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Oct 2005
    North Queensland
    2,528

    There is absolutely nothing wrong with lying down in labour if thats where you feel most comfortable. Just be sure to lay on your left side to promote Optimal Fetal Positioning.

    Keep up your fluids and empty your bladder regularly.

    Good luck Mama!
    x

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Feb 2010
    on a big patch of paradise.
    3,720

    I just carried on my day like any other but took it a little easier.

    https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...-birth-177733/

    Have a read of this too if you want. Some good advice I think

    Good luck, I hope you doing wonderfully.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Mar 2011
    Brisbane's Southside
    988

    How exciting!!
    I don't really have any advice except to either lay down to try and rest between them because you might need to rest for later - or do anything that keeps you upright if that's what you're wanting - how's your linen cupboard looking?
    Good luck!!



    **Sent from my phone using Tapatalk.

  6. #6

    Jan 2011
    Hunter Valley, NSW
    305

    Thanks ladies. I did end up going back to bed. Had a couple more but did get back to sleep. Let's see what today brings

  7. #7
    Registered User

    May 2008
    Melbourne
    1,838

    #1 i went back to sleep.
    #2 i was up getting ready for the day, took DS1 to day care and went to a Dr's appt.
    #3 quickly got up and got breakfast for everyone so we could then go and get a christmas tree before things got too difficult. Continued to put decorate christmas tree that day throughout contractions

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    Bonbeach, Melbourne
    7,177

    I started having contractions not long after I lost my plug. They were very mild and DH had just left for work, so I lay in a comfy position in bed and posted on BB! LOL! When DH took his break and called me, and asked if he should come in, I said no! I too found that if I got up to walk around, my contractions lowered in intensity and frequency. When they got a little stronger, I sat on my fitball. Finally I got back in bed to get some rest, had a stronger than normal contraction and got up on my hands and knees and my waters broke! And then it was on for young and old, DH made it home from work, and when I got to the hospital I was 7cm.

    Good luck, it's a fiery exciting time

  9. #9

    Jul 2009
    Australia
    5,102

    My waters broke so that was the start of my labour! It took about 3 hours for the contractions to start.

    I have a feeling this one will be the same hopefully with a much shorter labour!

    Good luck!!!!!

  10. #10

    Jan 2011
    Hunter Valley, NSW
    305

    Well it was about a week ago I posted that question. Turns out they were Braxton hicks... Getting me ready for a few days later when the real thing started. I got a strong contraction in bed in the early hours. Got up and walked around which made them more frequent. Funnily enough I didn't even think of what should I do... Didn't really have time. 3hrs 10mins later he was here. Found being upright and walkin around enough to focus on!

  11. #11
    2014 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    Mar 2010
    1,200

    Brilliant reply NelB, and a huge congratulations!! All that pre labour obviously contributed to your swift and intense short labour. I have quick ones too, my longest has been two hours from first contraction to baby, so I totally understand when you say just concentrating on staying upright and moving was enough!!!! Enjoy your precious bundle xx