In slow labor (slowly going crazy)

darkangel42

I came a little late to the party to get a labor buddy so having to update as best I can on my own.

Thursday night, I was having 5 minute spaced contractions that were NBD, then some of them got stronger. It was enough to slow me down but not enough to stop me completely so I put up with it, kept the timer handy and went to bed. Some 24 hours later (last night, Friday) I was having enough of the stronger ones that it felt like time to call in the experts. MW was lovely, gave me some suggestions then had me go in about 10 last night to get checked out.

It IS early stages of labor but it's slow progress so the priority is to stay rested ready for whenever my body decides to shift up a gear - I've been warned that it's likely when it happens, it'll be fast but for now, it's still slow going, still 5 minutes apart, still uncomfortable but not painful. Also on orders to call if anything changes, even if it's minor.

Anyone got any advice on not losing my mind completely while I wait for something to happen? I'm all set from a medical POV, just have no idea what to do with myself. I'm supposed to be resting but can't sleep and it's so boring being awake! Everything I want to do involves not resting and I'm sick of playing solitaire and starting (SORRY!!!!) to get bored of reading online forums

chevronseven

You should only be resting if you're tired. Otherwise you should be up and moving. Walking around speeds up labor, and it's normal in early stages to have a phase where you suddenly feel motivated to do odd chores around the house or something. Last burst of nesting energy I guess.

darkangel42

I had the burst right before the contractions got stronger, Wednesday was all about the vacuuming, tidying and generally getting stuff done.

MW says to make sure to sleep and then try to stay rested so I don't get worn out when labor gets going properly since I did't sleep at all Thursday night. I'm not a very good sleeper or rester so still wandering about but trying to be a bit less active than I want to be.

I've been walking a lot recently which is probably what set everything off in the first place, it's hard to find a balance now between getting enough rest to be ready and walking enough to keep it going/speed things up.

Nichole8787

I say clean house, shave your legs, paint your toenails, paint your fingernails do your hair etc....just burn the time doing things you won't be able to do for a while afterwards.

earichar23

If you're trying to rest I'd say get yourself addicted to a new show on netflix and binge tv watch or start a book. Otherwise I'm more of the "get this show on the road" mentality and I'd go for a walk!

darkangel42

Nichole8787 said:

I say clean house, shave your legs, paint your toenails, paint your fingernails do your hair etc....just burn the time doing things you won't be able to do for a while afterwards.

Pssht, I can't reach my feet! Knees, just about.

The house already got blitzed on Wednesday so there's not a lot to do but I could probably scratch together some laundry. Nails are done already WITH nail art because that's how bored I am.

Might have to go for a gentle walk after lunch

Cass533

darkangel42 said:

Nichole8787 said:

I say clean house, shave your legs, paint your toenails, paint your fingernails do your hair etc....just burn the time doing things you won't be able to do for a while afterwards.

Pssht, I can't reach my feet! Knees, just about.

The house already got blitzed on Wednesday so there's not a lot to do but I could probably scratch together some laundry. Nails are done already WITH nail art because that's how bored I am.

Might have to go for a gentle walk after lunch

I'd say go get a pedicure if your not too uncomfortable yet. I just had one and it was so relaxing!

darkangel42

If I can find a place that's not too far away, I may do that. We live in a rural area so it means driving or probably making someone take me but it's not totally out of the question

darkangel42

Photos are all done already from when my laptop ate all my files a few months ago, birth announcements are ready to go.

We're not really a photo card family but I should probably think about how to set up a family photo to send back to my family overseas  

hab83

Warm bath or shower, short walks. Repeat as necessary. I understand not wanting to get exhausted before the real fun starts, but even a 20 minute walk may help things move along. It may also provide a distraction so your body can relax and do its job.

Good luck!

darkangel42

I was told to rest so I'm trying but I'd be much happier out doing stuff so keep taking gentle walks out into the yard and back.

Im so bored that I painted my nails the same colors as my bathrobe for the birth then used a tiny brush to write my kids' names on them. 

Just spoke to the MW who says it's just a matter of time and the gentle walks are fine so that's the plan for now then a shower when I come in. If we're lucky, it'll time just right to be when OH gets in from work or on his day off! )

My Mom had 8 days of slow labor when she had me, I've no idea how she didn't go BSC from the boredom. Those of you who have slow/prolonged labor are some kind of magical.

abumgardner711

Im also in slow early labor. Went in yesterday was having strong contractions 2-5 minutes apart and steady. Was 1 cm on Thursday when MW checked me yesterday I was 3 1/2 cm 50% effaced. Was told tp walk around hospital for 2 hours then got checked again. No progress . Sent me home. Last night had horrible back pain Almost in tears MW told me to come back still no progress but given pain meds to sleep. Just a waiting game. You'd think my 3rd pregnancy would be easy. This kid is taking forever. Lol will be going for a walk to see if it speeds things up but in Las Vegas an outside walk is not going to happen. Hope all goes well. @darkangel42‌

darkangel42

Thanks @abumgardner711 , hope you have some progress soon. It must suck to have this and be in pain with it.

I'm similar, strong contractions 5 mins apart, 50% but only 1cm and struggling to sleep. Thankfully I'm just very uncomfortable rather than in pain so my main gripe is the boredom.

We're in rural New England so I can walk til my little heart's content as long as the MW agrees - I'm about to walk to the car then from the car to the icecream shack and back again because my in-laws are amazing and always know what to do

klillis13

Ugh.....kinda in the same boat here. Low back pain and random contractions. They aren't regular enough to call the MD.....but they are painful and wake me up all night. I lost my mucous plug this week (Yipee!) So maybe I will be more than 1cm dilated at Monday am's appt. If not.....my induction day is Friday.....if I can hold on that long. This is miserableeeeeee.

darkangel42

I'm losing mine in little bits and got a little more excited than was maybe acceptable when there was a bigger bit earlier today.

Being a birth center patient, not a hospital patient, so won't be induced unless there's a serious reason for it. Friday's not so bad, you have a solid date for it instead of just waiting indefinitely. 

Edit: not indefinitely but without knowing til up to 2 weeks overdue. Obviously it has to end sometime!

SuperTinkerham

I have nothing to add but best wishes!!

bluebird0521

I am in the EXACT same boat, I literally just wrote a post the other day. My contractions are 6 minutes apart, I'm 7cm and 90% effaced. They are not painful, just really uncomfortable and they aren't changing my cervix. Baby is still -2 station so I have been doing spinning babies.

You don't need to be laying around all day, because that isn't going to help your labor. Try to get some sleep, even if it is only 2-3 hours here and there. I found it was much easier to sleep after a hot shower and a cup of tea (those another July momma suggested wine which is also a good idea). When I am awake, I am sitting on my yoga ball thingy, doing spinning babies, walking and stretching. If I get tired I lay down and try to nap or at least relax.

Good luck!

bewilderingstar

Keep moving girl!! Listen to all the PPs and good luck!

darkangel42

bluebird1109 I didn't see your post but I'll be thinking of you too - this is no fun!
Contractions are still at 5 minutes so at least I'm consistent! Baby is exactly where she needs to be and ready to move down and out, which is great but cervix is not co-operating as much as yours as of last night's check.  
I'm a terrible sleeper and have been my whole life which is making resting pretty difficult and I'm still walking the same distance but more slowly, halfheartedly attempting yoga and trying to stand as much as possible but not go too crazy and end up worn out since I'm only getting 3-4 hours sleep at night and having no luck napping. If anything, I need to try and keep still since I'm always wandering about getting a drink or getting things for the OH and DD1 or finding things to wash (probably should have said in the first post that I rarely sleep and have trouble keeping still). I don't like wine so that's out too but I can see why other mamas have the odd glass at this point! I wish I had a yoga ball too, that's one thing I'd do differently if I could go back 6 months.  Everyone should have one.

abumgardner711

@bluebird1109‌ I definitely agree with keeping moving. I've been keeping busy around the house. Hope it helps me speed things up.

@darkangel42‌ awww England sounds amazing. My husband is US Air Force and was stationed in Germany while we were engaged. I went and absolutely loved it. The weather here is awful. 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Was

bluebird0521

darkangel42 said:

bluebird1109 I didn't see your post but I'll be thinking of you too - this is no fun!
Contractions are still at 5 minutes so at least I'm consistent! Baby is exactly where she needs to be and ready to move down and out, which is great but cervix is not co-operating as much as yours as of last night's check.  
I'm a terrible sleeper and have been my whole life which is making resting pretty difficult and I'm still walking the same distance but more slowly, halfheartedly attempting yoga and trying to stand as much as possible but not go too crazy and end up worn out since I'm only getting 3-4 hours sleep at night and having no luck napping. If anything, I need to try and keep still since I'm always wandering about getting a drink or getting things for the OH and DD1 or finding things to wash (probably should have said in the first post that I rarely sleep and have trouble keeping still). I don't like wine so that's out too but I can see why other mamas have the odd glass at this point! I wish I had a yoga ball too, that's one thing I'd do differently if I could go back 6 months.  Everyone should have one.

My cervix has dilated significantly but now I am stuck so honestly, I'm no better off unfortunately. Plus, baby just won't come down any lower than -2 station which is why I am doing spinning babies. Hopefully we both get some relief soon!!

SweetTamale38

Just sending hugs to you and those who are also "in the same boat".  I can't imagine the frustration, but I hope time passes quickly for you ladies and that everything goes smoothly.  

ghostof5letters

darkangel42 How'd you make out last night? Any progress?

klillis13

Still prego......and is it me or do you all feel like a ticking time bomb? I have this fear my water will break in the grocery store, or in my friends car or somewhere other than my house lol

darkangel42

For once, I got some sleep. About 5-6 hours which is practically a coma for me - woohoo!

Unfortunately no further forward than I was on Thursday.  So much love and encouragement to the rest of the crew in the slow labor boat right now - I hope you all have some progress soon!

Today's plan (since I slept so can justify bounding around) is high energy snacks little and often while walking laps around the horse field til something changes or it gets too hot out.

@klillis13 it's really unlikely your water will break before labor gets going but if it's stressing you out, keep a plastic bag in your purse with a chux pad (turn it over absorbent side down and sit on the plastic if you were in the car to soak it up and make it a bit easier to clean), fresh underwear, a pad and change of clothes so you can change out and put your wet stuff in the bag? My friend did that, she went into labor early with both her kids and was terrified of her water breaking in public, which it did both times.

Shelleybell

anything overnight?  sorry this is taking so long

darkangel42

Nope. Ever so slightly closer together but nothing to write home about just yet.

Last night was another bad night for sleeping too so I'm crabby this morning as well!

Anyone else progressed at all?

darkangel42

No idea if it's related but I had 2 totally unprompted rounds of throwing up this morning. Isn't pregnancy fun?

ST+Ms, why on Earth did we think it was a good idea to do this again?! (I jest, I love my kids but pregnancy sucks)

Big+Lil

I'm here too, how many of us are STM? I read that prodromal labor happens to STM more frequently.

Has anybody tried any of the labor exercises on Spinning Babies? I'm too large and lazy, but if it works I might give it a go.

darkangel42

I'd never heard of prodomal labor til within this last week. If that's what this is, I don't like it!

Labor is supposed to be quicker the second time around, this is no good!

abumgardner711

@darkangel42‌ I totally agree with u. 3rd time around should definitely be easier and faster.

darkangel42

It was under 6 hours with my first, this is looking more like 6 days.

No sleep again last night then felt awful all morning, run down and low so feeling really sorry for myself now.

Hopefully I can get one gentle walk in before bath and bed for *hopefully* some sleep.

Anyone else being pathetic too?

alyss0nl

Same boat, I've been losing my mucus plug and having untimeable contractions. So miserable! I was dilated 5cm Friday night, and I have my OB appt tomorrow so we'll see where I am. In the meantime I'm walking, moving around and sitting on my exercise ball.

darkangel42

My appointment today is at 11 so I can go cry at the midwife for her to tell me what's going on.

I spent all yesterday throwing up so we get to try and figure that out too. Unless MW says otherwise, I'm walking til I burst and/or collapse this afternoon.

alysson.lawless, how long have you been in the boat?

My niece says she doesn't ever want to be pregnant - she wants to adopt. Why is a 10 year old smarter than me?!  (

darkangel42

Yesterday was fun. Still slow-laboring (or whatever this is?) with 5 minutely contractions that are 1 min long (since Thursday. THURSDAY!!!), got told to make a pee sample to look for a symptomless UTI, see if it's aggravating my uterus.

While testing with the dipper, got a positive for protein - not a lot but enough to get a concerned look.

Currently trapped up to a blood pressure monitor because (first time evarr) BP was a little high.

This also meant a blood test to see if it's pre-e or just a load of unrelated symptoms since nothing is really a STRONG cause for concern (plus, 39 weeks so minimal pre-e risk as I can just pop her out whenever now).

Ordered to rest, drink more (not possible, I'm turning into a fish as it is) and eat nutrient-rich food in preparation for whatever it is that's coming.

Waiting on test results for every liquid I have and then this morning had some more chunks of mucus plug - this time blood streaked which is a good start (but really gross) so quite honestly I don't think anyone knows what's going on.

Those of you still slow laboring - hopefully you at least have some idea what's going on! T&Ps all round and hopefully we'll all have babies to squish very soon!

alyss0nl

@darkangel42‌ I'm still 5cm after my OB checked me yesterday. So to my knowledge I've been there since at least Friday. It's strange though, I have contractions for about 30mins to an hour at the same time (late afternoon) every day since going to the hospital. My OB was really surprised of how I've dilated, and if I don't have baby by my next appt, wants to talk about induction since I'm starting to swell and have slightly elevated blood pressure. This is driving me crazy since my labor officially started with DS when my water broke, and he was born 14 hours later. This time, we're going on days.

darkangel42

Eep, swelling and raised BP isn't good. Extra fingers Xed that it's nothing and you pop soon.

brittwhoadog

I'm a first time mom and will be 36 weeks tomorrow. I am going through awful slow labor and was in the hospital twice last week - first with contractions 8 mins apart and 2nd time with them 4 mins apart. I left work early yesterday with 5 min apart contractions, but they let up when i was able to rest. It is crazy - I am almost sure he will come early because of all the contractions and things I've already had, but I don't want him here just yet. Just wish he'd hold on and the contractions would let up - or that he'd be here!

Artistmom30

brittwhoadog said:

I'm a first time mom and will be 36 weeks tomorrow. I am going through awful slow labor and was in the hospital twice last week - first with contractions 8 mins apart and 2nd time with them 4 mins apart. I left work early yesterday with 5 min apart contractions, but they let up when i was able to rest. It is crazy - I am almost sure he will come early because of all the contractions and things I've already had, but I don't want him here just yet. Just wish he'd hold on and the contractions would let up - or that he'd be here!

Congrats on your baby coming! Did you mean to post to this birth month?

Nichole8787

why is this back up?

ghostof5letters

I'm sure it's because TB's search function is confusing.