Pre-labor for days but only 1cm! Worried, tired...HELP

Hi Ladies,

I have been having pre-labor (initially thought it was early labor) since Tue last week (39+1). Basically the pattern is around mid morning contractions start off at 15-20 min apart and easy (30-45sec), then build to 10 min apart and more intense (1-1.5min long) towards evening. Then late evening then taper off again to being just hourly overnight! I have been talking with my MW and OB about this each morning.

Last night we went in to the hospt as they had been 10 min apart since mid morning and getting stronger - YAY this might be it. Got in there and of course they had tapered off again but had an hour on the CTG and saw lots of baby movements and could then see how bubs was coping with contrax and also had contraxs 8-13min apart, not really strong but reasonable. MW did an internal (first one for this preg and I only had one with prev preg) and I am fully effaced but cervix is tucked behind baby's head and only 1cm dilated! ARGH. After five days of contractions I was expecting a bit more I must say!

I dont want to go too far over dates as I am going for a VBAC and so my induction options are limited. I am currently doing (TMI) nipple stimulation, sex (not much as I just dont feel like it), acupuncture, Raspberry leaf tea and walking.

Any thoughts? Encouragement? Your experience? I am getting a bit stressed ('cos that will help!) and a bit down about lack of progress.

I am seeing OB in the am for internal and possibly stretch and sweep if cervix is favorable and in the pm seeing acupuncturist who is going to hook me up to electrodes!

HELP HELP HELP!

i was going to say the best thing you can do is to relax! but i know you already know that!! b
been uptight makes your whole body tight do you have some relaxation techniques you could use to help relax your mind and thus body??

It sounds like everything si starting and although anoying it tappers off its preparing your caervix and babys position for when the real deal kicks in. Its probably doing more then you think and it is unlikely that you will still be waiting in another week or few days. GL hopefully it will make your waters rupture and its all systems go from there

just wanted to give you lots of support and encouragement vibes.....I know where you are coming from, with ds I had the same kind of thing for about 2 weeks.......ended up being induced at 40 wks exactly, AROM, then the drip, failure to progress ending in ECS.
I know in my heart that had I rested more and not been so stressed out I could have coped for a few more days and DS probably could have been born vaginally.
Relax if you can (easier said than done!!) wishing you all the best for your VBAC.
Have you tried taking anything for the pain so you can sleep? are you getting enough sleep? the hospital sent me home 2 times before inducing me, they gave me panadeine forte to help me sleep, only got 2 hours uninterrupted before the contractions were waking me again. I found the bath and shower really helpfull too.
sorry if not much help.
Thinking of you, I really hope you get your Vbac xxx

Hi, I am sorry to say that I had pre labour with my son for about 2 weeks. It was exactly the same as yours except mine was at night and I couldn't sleep much for 2 weeks and your post has brought back memories! But when I did finally go into propper labour and went to hospital, I was 8cm dialated and the midwife artificially broke my waters and he was born in an hour, completely naturally (ie no drugs!). So in hindsight although I was in pain for so long I was so proud of myself for doing it all by myself and having a natural birth this time around. For me the pain changed when I went into propper labour to being pains around my lower back and belly like a belt tightening around me and it was more intense.
Good luck Ihope things start really happening soon!
ETA, maybe try some accupuncture or a pg massage?? Hot curries, inserting evening primrose oil and some light walking are said to help as well...

Thanks everyone. I have decided to try and get a better perspective on this. Yes, I need to relax (funnily enough) and it very useful to hear your stories. EPO is a good idea too. A massage sounds fab - will get that organized too.

I guess because no-one expected me to get anywhere near full term it has seemed like a long third trimester! I just need to keep patient and know this will happen as it is meant too and not jump in and risk another section by getting fed-up and impatient and induction happy.

Thanks again!

Rachel

Good luck RM. I hope that things start happening for you soon and look forward to reading your BA.