Long early labour

[Newmum2013]

Hi all. I'll try to keep this short. I'm 40+10 and started with contractions yesterday afternoon. They haven't stopped all through night and at one point were averaging every 8 mins.

Throughout the day the same has happened and pains got stronger. However went in the bath and had some tea and now lucky if I get one every 15 mins

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience of this and whether they will progress or just stop?!

Thanks in advance

[glorious]

This happened to me and it can be really tough. In my case they did keep going and eventually got closer together and stronger. They were all doing something even though it didn't feel like it. You're doing the right things. People will say to rest as well - I wish I could have done but I was too uncomfortable. so do what you can.

You're doing very well, hang on in there

[glorious]

oh and if you want to speed things up again you could try going sideways up stairs or bouncing on a birth ball if you have one

[BananaPie]

Happened to me too. Lasted 3 days. Contractions were every 10 mins, never got much quicker - went to hospital when my waters broke, and it turned out I was already 8 cm.

Not every labour progresses in text book style, so call your midwife if you're worried.

[Newmum2013]

Thank you. Managed to get an hours sleep but woke up to a really strong contraction. They still 15 mins apart but very painful. No idea what's going on but I'm exhausted already!

[AnAirOfHope]

Have you had a show or waters gone?

I had this for two days then they got stronger and three hours later had a baby girl :)

To speed it up move around, clean, birthing ball or walking helps. Drink lots of water and for the pain try meditation, breathing slow and deep. Do you have birthing hypono cd to listen to?

Ask your partner for a back massage or foot rub. Read a good book, sleep or watch your fav tv show. If all else fails try a cup of tea.

Good luck :)

[Newmum2013]

Had three shows yesterday and just had a mammoth one (sorry tmi!) Didn't think there would be that much!

No signs of water going. Contractions seem to have picked up a bit and getting a lot more intense.

Have spoken to the midwives. They just said I need to sit it out til there five minutes apart.

Hope it happens soon. Thanks for advice x

[HPsauceonbaconbuttiesmmm]

My labour with dc1 included a 48 hour stop start prelabour phase. Then everything stopped for 5 hours. Then full contractions started and 5.5 hours later I delivered DS (2.5 hours after arrival at hospital).

I know how frustrating it is, but every one of those contractions is doing something useful! As above, eat well and drink plenty of non-fizzy stuff, take paracetamol regularly and alternate between bouncing/being upright and active, and getting some rest when you can. Fwiw the bath did tend to knock off my contractions.

The hardest thing is the lack of rest, because when baby is born you'll spend that night just staring at them and then the next 2 constantly bf as you wait for milk to come in. Starting that on a background of 2-3 days no sleep from prelabour is really hard.

Good luck, hope your little one comes soon.

[Newmum2013]

Thanks for sharing. Makes me feel much more hopeful. Am managing to eat and drinking plenty (really thirsty) also trying to rest as much as possible.

11days overdue today come on baby x

[HPsauceonbaconbuttiesmmm]

DS was born at 40+13 so plenty of time yet. Don't forget to keep your bladder empty or it'll slow things down.

I'm 39 weeks and have been having runs of contractions for 1.5 weeks so am actually very jealous of your labour!!

[glorious]

Well done you, keep us posted if it helps

[Newmum2013]

The contractions seem to be picking up. Been every 6-7 mins for past hour or so although there are a couple of 12 min ones too. Fingers crossed they keep going and get closer together.

[Newmum2013]

Good luck hpsauce. Fingers crossed

[AmandaPayneAteTooMuchChocolate]

If things are picking up, you might want to think about hiding the watch, closing the curtains and just sort of abandoning yourself into it for a while. For some women, the pure act of keeping an eye on the timing, worrying when there's a longer gap, etc can inhibit things. Might be worth a go?

[PrincessOfChina]

I had a very long labour (started Sunday night, contractions every five minutes by Monday night, took until Thursday to get to 8cm and then had EMCS for FTP). Please try and eat regularly and get as much rest as possible. I was so exhausted the first night I had DD that I didn't know who she was :(

[NAR4]

I was contracting like you at the beginning of my last labour. After a 2nd night I decided I wanted the midwife to check if I was dilating at all, so went for a check at the labour ward. The midwife checked and I was only 2cm but the check seemed to REALLY get things moving as I needed to push within 15 minutes.

Might be worth getting checked. Maybe your community midwife would do a home visit for you. Could put your mind at rest and be encouraging to know you have started to dilate. You might get lucky like me and get things kick started as well.

[Newmum2013]

Quick update! Had three lots of five minute contractions and they really strong now! Fingers crossed things are kicking off finally. Thanks for your adviceetc. Been a wwelcome distraction and made me feel like I'm not the obly
one going through this

Xx

[HPsauceonbaconbuttiesmmm]

Oh exciting! Fingers crossed it goes quickly and smoothly from here. Good luck.

[StitchAteMySleep]

Good luck newmum, soon you will meet your baby