can you be dilating/ cervix thinning without your mucus plug coming out? (sorry if this is DUH obvious answer question, I am afraid to google it. I don't think my eyes can handle it. )
Also, can you request that they put up a sheet or something over your knees during labor and delivery? I know this is stupid, but it would make me more comfortable lol.
No experience yet, but: I told my doula that was one of my fears, and she said it's totally normal, and you will get to a point where it won't matter. But she said during labor and even pushing I could wear a short knee length maxi skirt (that I don't mind ruining). I have a black cotton one from Old Navy I'm bringing. As far as labor she said sheets and blankets are totally fine to be covered up with while contracting.
I remember going into the hospital to be induced and still having pride and embarrassment. By the end of my labor..I didn't give any f*cks who saw my vagina or how much I pooped on the bed. lol
When they broke my water in the hospital, I was like 4cm and having consistent contractions bc of the pitocin. (HATE!) As soon as they broke it I was in SERIOUS pain with each contraction, and so much liquid would gush out with each contraction, that I kept thinking I was peeing myself. I kept trying to hold my pee while liquid gushed out and trying to get through the contraction. I started totally freaking out, so I just ripped my gown off and they moved me to the tub to labor in so I couldn't feel the water and not have to worry about pee. (trying to hold pee that may or may not have been there, was making each contraction that much harder to get through).
I think that's where I just didn't care who saw me or what I sounded like or looked like.
I remember being embarrassed about possibly pooping on the bed and yelling "AM I POOOOPINNGGG??" to the nurses, who said not to worry about it, lol..and after that, I didn't.
As far as mucus plugs: I lost mine around 35 (?) weeks with DS and it's SUPER thick..think...FLUBBER..and was a tiny bit bloody and brownish.
Ball: Pee pad on the ball
Baby moving: I have NO clue. There was no focus on that. Too much to think about and deal with through contractions.
Thank you for starting this thread and for all of the answers. Everything has been so helpful. I don't think I realize that I have questions most of the time but these have been great!
Cheap sheets! That is a brilliant Idea that I didn't even think about!!! Salt takes blood out so I am no to concerned but I will now add cheap sheets to the shopping list.
I use those Medela microwave sterilizing bags for everything...pump parts, bottles, pacifiers. Then I take them out & put them on the bottle drying rack thingy. Love those bags.
If you're breastfeeding, is it okay to use a pacifier right away, or do you have to wait a few days/weeks... do I need to specify "no pacifier" at the hospital?
Do you sterilize bottles just before first using or after every use? We have dishwasher and are using glass bottles.
With my first I tried not to use pacis. She wanted to nurse and use me to sooth 24/7. I lasted 6 days. The paci was my lifesaver.
With my second I intended to wait until at least my milk came in, but DS was super lazy and didn't have much of a suck reflex, so we tried a paci to help get him to breastfeed. He was 24 hours old.
At the hospital, should you bring your pump or do they have one you can use? Reason I ask is because if I want to sleep after skin to skin or at night and am breastfeeding, I would think this is what I would need to do so someone could feed her?
Did everyone keep their babies in the room with them or did you send them to the nursery for a while?
At the hospital, should you bring your pump or do they have one you can use? Reason I ask is because if I want to sleep after skin to skin or at night and am breastfeeding, I would think this is what I would need to do so someone could feed her?
Did everyone keep their babies in the room with them or did you send them to the nursery for a while?
I had the nurses take DD to the nursery for awhile at night so I could get some rest. I plan to do the same with this LO. They give you a choice at my hospital.
You know when you wake up in the morning and you stretch and your back gets really tight, almost involuntarily, but in a good way?
My stomach has been doing that...and I wouldn't say it feels good. I feel almost like I'm making it happen somehow with how I'm laying or getting up (and lost only happens that way when I'm waking up...whether it's morning or middle of night).
Has anyone else experienced this and why does it keep happening? I always feel like I'm squeezing the crap out of the baby. :-(
(So glad for a dumb questions thread because after writing this out, I feel like it sounds incredibly dumb...)
If you're breastfeeding, is it okay to use a pacifier right away, or do you have to wait a few days/weeks... do I need to specify "no pacifier" at the hospital?
Do you sterilize bottles just before first using or after every use? We have dishwasher and are using glass bottles.
My hospital didn't give pacis unless you requested one I believe. I waited a couple days before using one because I was told it may hinder bf, but I got desperate on that one night and it was a lifesaver. Also I sterilized bottles when I first got some as a FTM, but then realized as long as you wash it in soapy water it was fine too. I was way more lax when DD got older. I think the only other time I sanitized the bottles was once I was putting them away for storage after DD weaned. That way I could use them again with this LO.
At the hospital, should you bring your pump or do they have one you can use? Reason I ask is because if I want to sleep after skin to skin or at night and am breastfeeding, I would think this is what I would need to do so someone could feed her?
Did everyone keep their babies in the room with them or did you send them to the nursery for a while?
They have pumps for you to use. I had issues with my supply from the get go and they brought a manual pump first (I had flat nipples and they used it to get them not flat), then the LC determined it wasn't a sucking issue for DD or a latch issue, they brought in one of their fancy pumps for me to use. I think it was the Medela Symphony? Anyways, they let me keep all the pieces that went with it so I had spares to go with my PISA which was nice.
Also we had the option to send baby to the nursery for a break at any point, but generally she roomed with us.
You know when you wake up in the morning and you stretch and your back gets really tight, almost involuntarily, but in a good way?
My stomach has been doing that...and I wouldn't say it feels good. I feel almost like I'm making it happen somehow with how I'm laying or getting up (and lost only happens that way when I'm waking up...whether it's morning or middle of night).
Has anyone else experienced this and why does it keep happening? I always feel like I'm squeezing the crap out of the baby. :-(
(So glad for a dumb questions thread because after writing this out, I feel like it sounds incredibly dumb...)
Are you experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions at other times? Does this feel different? Because the sensation you're describing sounds like BH to me, or at least the non-painful ones.
Are you experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions at other times? Does this feel different? Because the sensation you're describing sounds like BH to me, or at least the non-painful ones.
Honestly, I'm not really sure. I think so...but they're not as tight as these seem to be. I wondered if maybe these had something to do with contractions (which is why I wanted to ask), but I also wouldn't say they're non-painful. They're just a little painful...not much, though.
I've been contracting most nights and I always decide to just go to bed and not time anything. I think the "real thing" would wake me up, but my H is worried I will miss what's going on and have the baby in bed or something. I had preterm labor and at first I didn't really notice the contractions that started dilating me, so I think that's why he is concerned. What do you think?
first son stillborn 7/20/13 at 39 weeks due to Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy It's a girl!Baby Anna was born August 3, 2014!
No advice but I do the same thing. My sister in law was telling me that when she had my nephew last year (her third) her mom had to make her go to the hospital because she didn't think her contractions were different than any other night.
She arrived at a 6 and didn't feel the labor pain until she was an 8. Baby was born 1 1/2 hours later, so if she had waited to go,who knows if she would have made it.
But, on the other hand, we can't stay up every single night for weeks just in case. So like you, I assume that they will start hurting worse and wake me up.
ETA: I'm mobile so I can't see how far along you are. If you are still far from 37 weeks it's worth a phone call to your doctor with your history of preterm labor.
@happylooper333@stoofewok I just got back from a non-stress test and the dr came to me and said, "Did you know you're contracting every minute or 2?" I had no idea! I have some that I can feel but apparently they go on a lot more than what I realize.
I was checked and they aren't dilating my cervix any more than it has been, so I guess they aren't "real" contractions. The doctor who checked me took one look at me and said, "Oh I can tell these aren't labor contractions or you wouldn't be smiling at me like that." So I guess/hope the real ones will be bad so we'll know!
first son stillborn 7/20/13 at 39 weeks due to Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy It's a girl!Baby Anna was born August 3, 2014!
Don't know if you got a response to this yet (I'm too lazy to look!) but the cord shouldn't really until it stops pulsing. I've learned in classes and through reading that a lot of times when the cord is cut as it is still pulsing, the baby has not recieved all of the blood it is supposed to...hence the need for warmers instead of the mothers body being the perfect amount of heat. Thankfully, my hospital is aware of this and they do not cut any cord until it stops pulsing (unless it is an emergency of course).
As for skin to skin and breastfeeding, this something I am doing and if the cord happens to not be long enough, I will try tailor sitting (indian style for lack of better terminology).
If you happen to be using and epi or spinal, check with your doctor about being able to do this if the cord is too short. I'm sure it would work fine, I just don't know that for certain. We are trying for an unmedicated birth, so this is pretty common practice with short cords.
Has anyone gone through prodromal labor? Thats whats going on with me. And I'm actually dilating from it. But its like its having problems getting into a pattern. I'm miserable and in pain. I've never experienced this before.
I haven't personally, but I have a friend who did and she said it was the most traumatic thing in her life (other things were happening also). The main point was that she said the doctor didn't believe her that she was in labor. Sending good vibes your way!
FTM question: does the baby move around a lot when you are in labor? Or were you too preoccupied with managing your pain or other things.
Mine moved around a LOT the whole time. I have a distinct memory of her kicking me on the way out. Like literally, she was almost crowning, and still kicking me.
ok i'm terrified of prolapse! It just seems vague to define it as "too much activity" and then your ute/bladder fall out! How long is it a concern? How do I know if I'm doing too much after L&D?
Bleeding will pick up if you overdo it after delivery. That was always my sign to sit for awhile.
This is more of a WTF question. So one of the things we put on our registry that I didn't end up buying afterwards because they were out of stock was the NoseFrida. I had always heard these wonderful things about it. Today I go online to see if it is back in stock at Walmart and I actually Googled to see how this thing works. I cannot see myself manually sucking snot out of my baby's nose with my mouth! I know they say the filter doesn't let it enter your mouth, but come on! No no no!
DH is in charge of all snot related issues. Anything more than wiping noses makes me gag and almost vomit. I know, I should suck it up but I can't. I have to leave the room when DH blows his nose too. :-&
This is more of a WTF question. So one of the things we put on our registry that I didn't end up buying afterwards because they were out of stock was the NoseFrida. I had always heard these wonderful things about it. Today I go online to see if it is back in stock at Walmart and I actually Googled to see how this thing works. I cannot see myself manually sucking snot out of my baby's nose with my mouth! I know they say the filter doesn't let it enter your mouth, but come on! No no no!
Oh...you will. There is a filter but the snot never really gets up that far. When your baby is miserable and can not breathe, you'll do it. The thing is equally gross/awesome.
Oh I have one! So RRL tea is supposed to cause "practice" contractions because it's strengthening the uterus and preparing it for labor. If I'm drinking it every day, how will I know the difference between these practice ones and real ones? Right now they feel like a cramp in my lower back, but I'm almost certain it's from the tea.
Wait, RRL tea can cause contractions? Like BH or something different? Now I'm questioning whether I want to start drinking it!
Nah. It intensifies BHs if you're having them. It "tones" the uterus, and I take this to mean it makes the contractions you're already having in preparation for birth firmer. It doesn't put you into labor or anything. It also helps your ute contract back to normal size postpartum.
I started drinking like 3+ hot cups a day at 35 weeks. Before I started, I felt like I wasn't having any BHs at all (or rather, wasn't actually feeling them at all). Within the first few hours of me chugging my first cup (I tea), I actually had what was a relatively recognizable tinge of crampiness, though it was more tight than crampy and it wasn't painful by any stretch of the imagination.
As with all supps and herbs though, get the okay from your doc or mw first because I think there are some contraindications for people who have certain health issues. Don't remember what they were, though.
@laurelcharles I'm in the same boat though. The BHs I'm having are just tight, and usually I can't even tell when they end or even if I'm having one until I move or something. I feel like I'll be in labor and just be like herpa derp this feels funny and not realize what's actually happening. I asked my doula last night though and she was just like, "you'll know... unless you're like x, y, and z who thought they were just BH'ing and they rushed to the hospital because they had a gut feeling they waited too long and then BEWM they were 9 cm."
I would assume that hardly ever happens, though, so I'm sure we'll all figure it out.
ok i'm terrified of prolapse! It just seems vague to define it as "too much activity" and then your ute/bladder fall out! How long is it a concern? How do I know if I'm doing too much after L&D?
***quote box issues****
WTeverlovingF?! This is a thing?! No no no no no no....
It is! A friend of ours was trying to help her husband move a couch abut 3-4 weeks after delivery and her ute fell out.
FTM here... I've heard a lot about cracked/bloody nipples when starting to breastfeed. If I get a cracked or bloody nipple, can I continue to nurse from that side? I'm assuming that to avoid becoming engorged I'd at least have to pump - is that milk okay to give baby? FWIW I have no idea what to expect as far as level of pain/bloodiness in the nipple area but I can't imagine wanting to nurse or pump from one. Or that the baby would care to take a bloody nipple, but then again maybe he/she won't know the difference anyway?
My nipples cracked and scabbed over, but I never saw any actual liquid blood. It was super painful, but I just nursed through it and LO never seemed to notice. It cleared up after a week or two, and breastfeeding stopped being painful after that except when we got thrush.
Stupid questions...I know...I feel less stupid knowing others have similar types of questions...
But...are contractions "obvious"? Most have described them to me like "bad menstrual cramps". Are they always "BAD"...or are they sometimes dull? Maybe I just have to poop more...but the weirdest thing has been happening occasionally (couple of times a day) where it feels like menstrual cramps...but not super serious...
I didn't know I was in labor with DS. I had some nasty cramps but they weren't consistent. Called the doc bc I was close to my EDD and she sent me to LD. I was 7cm when I arrived.
I think this fits the dumb question category, because I'm sure it's been asked multiple times...
But, for STM, how long did you go after starting to dilate. I had my weekly appointment, I'm 36 weeks and was 1-2 cm and 50% effaced. It just seems early, although I know it could still be weeks.
I think this fits the dumb question category, because I'm sure it's been asked multiple times...
But, for STM, how long did you go after starting to dilate. I had my weekly appointment, I'm 36 weeks and was 1-2 cm and 50% effaced. It just seems early, although I know it could still be weeks.
First time I was 1 cm dilated at 37 weeks; at 38 weeks exactly went into labor (water broke).
This time I was 3-4 cm dilated at 36 weeks--am now 36 weeks 4 days, and not in labor. (Have lost mucus plug, had bloody show, and had some contractions here and there.) Dr. Google tells me this is a bit unusual, but does happen. My midwife, after finding how far dilated I was, said I should go to the hospital at 7-10 minutes between contractions, instead of waiting for 5 minutes between. And she thought I'd go into labor within the week (that would be by Thursday, so she might still be right).
TTC #1 Since 8/2010
Me: 34, DH: 35 DX: DOR (FSH 14.9, AMH 0.67, AFC ~10) and Egg Quality
IVF #1 Feb 2012. MDFL protocol w/ Met. 7 ER, 0F.
May Donor Egg IVF cycle:3 EF, 1 blast ET 5/12, 2 frosties
BFP 5/21! beta #1 5/22 306 beta #2 5/24 818 beta #3 5/31 15,038.
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"Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian." --Dennis Wholey
Okay, really dumb question, but is it necessary to wash all of LO's clothing before she wears it?
I'm being featured in a new pregnancy/motherhood blog during the month of October, so if you ever wanted to know more about my pregnancy, birth, and motherhood experiences than anyone ever should, check out my posts in the link below!
Okay, really dumb question, but is it necessary to wash all of LO's clothing before she wears it?
For a newborn, I would bc many have very sensitive skin and chemicals/dyes left from the manufacturing process could irritate them. For my toddler I wash underwear but not always everything.
Re: Got any dumb questions?
can you be dilating/ cervix thinning without your mucus plug coming out?
(sorry if this is DUH obvious answer question, I am afraid to google it. I don't think my eyes can handle it.
No experience yet, but:
I told my doula that was one of my fears, and she said it's totally normal, and you will get to a point where it won't matter. But she said during labor and even pushing I could wear a short knee length maxi skirt (that I don't mind ruining). I have a black cotton one from Old Navy I'm bringing. As far as labor she said sheets and blankets are totally fine to be covered up with while contracting.
With my second I intended to wait until at least my milk came in, but DS was super lazy and didn't have much of a suck reflex, so we tried a paci to help get him to breastfeed. He was 24 hours old.
I say, do what you like.
Did everyone keep their babies in the room with them or did you send them to the nursery for a while?
You know when you wake up in the morning and you stretch and your back gets really tight, almost involuntarily, but in a good way?
My stomach has been doing that...and I wouldn't say it feels good. I feel almost like I'm making it happen somehow with how I'm laying or getting up (and lost only happens that way when I'm waking up...whether it's morning or middle of night).
Has anyone else experienced this and why does it keep happening? I always feel like I'm squeezing the crap out of the baby. :-(
(So glad for a dumb questions thread because after writing this out, I feel like it sounds incredibly dumb...)
They have pumps for you to use. I had issues with my supply from the get go and they brought a manual pump first (I had flat nipples and they used it to get them not flat), then the LC determined it wasn't a sucking issue for DD or a latch issue, they brought in one of their fancy pumps for me to use. I think it was the Medela Symphony? Anyways, they let me keep all the pieces that went with it so I had spares to go with my PISA which was nice.
Also we had the option to send baby to the nursery for a break at any point, but generally she roomed with us.
Baby Boy due October 2017
first son stillborn 7/20/13 at 39 weeks due to Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
It's a girl! Baby Anna was born August 3, 2014!
She arrived at a 6 and didn't feel the labor pain until she was an 8. Baby was born 1 1/2 hours later, so if she had waited to go,who knows if she would have made it.
But, on the other hand, we can't stay up every single night for weeks just in case. So like you, I assume that they will start hurting worse and wake me up.
ETA: I'm mobile so I can't see how far along you are. If you are still far from 37 weeks it's worth a phone call to your doctor with your history of preterm labor.
I just got back from a non-stress test and the dr came to me and said, "Did you know you're contracting every minute or 2?" I had no idea! I have some that I can feel but apparently they go on a lot more than what I realize.
I was checked and they aren't dilating my cervix any more than it has been, so I guess they aren't "real" contractions. The doctor who checked me took one look at me and said, "Oh I can tell these aren't labor contractions or you wouldn't be smiling at me like that." So I guess/hope the real ones will be bad so we'll know!
first son stillborn 7/20/13 at 39 weeks due to Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
It's a girl! Baby Anna was born August 3, 2014!
Don't know if you got a response to this yet (I'm too lazy to look!) but the cord shouldn't really until it stops pulsing. I've learned in classes and through reading that a lot of times when the cord is cut as it is still pulsing, the baby has not recieved all of the blood it is supposed to...hence the need for warmers instead of the mothers body being the perfect amount of heat. Thankfully, my hospital is aware of this and they do not cut any cord until it stops pulsing (unless it is an emergency of course).
As for skin to skin and breastfeeding, this something I am doing and if the cord happens to not be long enough, I will try tailor sitting (indian style for lack of better terminology).
If you happen to be using and epi or spinal, check with your doctor about being able to do this if the cord is too short. I'm sure it would work fine, I just don't know that for certain. We are trying for an unmedicated birth, so this is pretty common practice with short cords.
Good luck!!!
:-&
_____________________________
This time I was 3-4 cm dilated at 36 weeks--am now 36 weeks 4 days, and not in labor. (Have lost mucus plug, had bloody show, and had some contractions here and there.) Dr. Google tells me this is a bit unusual, but does happen. My midwife, after finding how far dilated I was, said I should go to the hospital at 7-10 minutes between contractions, instead of waiting for 5 minutes between. And she thought I'd go into labor within the week (that would be by Thursday, so she might still be right).
TTC #1 Since 8/2010
Me: 34, DH: 35 DX: DOR (FSH 14.9, AMH 0.67, AFC ~10) and Egg Quality
IVF #1 Feb 2012. MDFL protocol w/ Met. 7 ER, 0F.
May Donor Egg IVF cycle:3 EF, 1 blast ET 5/12, 2 frosties
BFP 5/21! beta #1 5/22 306 beta #2 5/24 818 beta #3 5/31 15,038.
"Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian." --Dennis Wholey