In labor for 3 days now..."hang in there!"

cjagibo2 · August 2013

Monday night I started to feel contractions that kept me up. I had my regular appointment set up for the next day so I decided since the contractions are irregular I will just wait until the appointment to talk to the doctor. It wasn't my regular doctor (he is out of town). And this doctor enticed me with induction since I am 39 weeks and 3cm dilated. I was intrigued but wanted to talk to my husband. After my appointment the contractions started to speed up and I had bloody show...all from the physical exam that I just had. I went to labor and delivery only to have them send me home Tuesday night because I wasn't far enough along and there were no beds. I was told to "hang in there."

I hate that phrase and others like it..."almost there", "you're at the end", "soon". After having contractions (albeit irregular) for 3 days now if one more male OBGYN tells me to "hang in there", I may just slap him. Where is the empathy...instead they just send me home with drugs and tell me to come back once they are closer. What happens if they don't get closer and I am in this state of limbo for days or more than a week? I don't know if I can handle much more physically and emotionally.

This is my second child and I am well aware of what labor and delivery entail since I was in labor for 2 days with my first child. But this is ridiculous. They won't admit you to the hospital until you are literally ready to push and then they kick you out right afterwards. I know people who live in other countries who are able to spend days in the hospital to help recover and get assistance before and after birth.

I am going into day 4 of labor and I am keeping my fingers crossed for some kind of progression.

Guennie · August 2013

Oh geez, I am so sorry you are going through this! There does seem to be a lack of compassion much of the time. It must be scary and frustrating. I hope you will progress quickly and get back in there for a smooth labor experience! Hugs!

LucyRicardo3 · August 2013

oh, that has to be the WORST. I cannot imagine. I would have decked someone by now. Hoping to see you post soon that your LO is here!

aschultz9 · August 2013

It isn't "lack of compassion" really. You aren't in labor if your cervix isn't changing is all, so there really isn't a reason to stay at the hospital. You can have contractions on and off for a week or more and will probably be more comfortable at home. just sitting in the hospital will not bring on active labor any more quickly unless you and the doctor decide to augment it with Pitocin or by artificially breaking your water. I worked L&D for 10 years, and was also dilated to 5cm for a week with my last baby.

kelley72 · August 2013

yes it is soooo hard at then end, like OP I walked around dilated for several days up to a week with my prior pregnancies

try taking a warm bath to relax, being at home is more comfortable than lying in a hard hospital bed for days on end..

Hope your delivery begins in ernest soon and you have a wonderful experience and healthy baby!

Geeps2 · August 2013

I understand your frustration. I was in labor for 3 days as well with my daughter. I had the fun of having irregular contractions but they were horrible (between 3-7 minutes inbetween each one and sometimes less then 2 minutes) and I basically was sleep deprived and ready to reach up and pull her out myself if I had to. Oh and I have a high tolerance for pain. This shizzz was unreal!!!! I went to L&D the first time and like you was sent home with a sleeping pill, slept 2 hrs and woke up with the same crappy contractions so decided to go on a long walk with my DH. The second time I went to L&D I was almost in tears and thank god I had one of my favorite OBs on call because I was 4cm dilated and I begged her to keep me and put me out of my misery because I couldn't go on any longer something had to give. Luckily she did. I walked in those uncomfortable shoes and I know how horrible it is. All I can say is good luck. Hope you find some relief soon.