Stop and start Labor

rlstratford

Hello bumpies!
This is my first time posting because I could really use some reassurance. I'm due next week with our first baby. Two nights ago I started having very strong contractions. They got closer and closer for about 4 hours until we were down to 5 min in between and then all of a sudden they slowed down for 4 hours, then picked up for another 4... This has gone on for two days! Went to the hospital yesterday for an exam and fetal monitoring, I was 1cm and 25% effaced, and baby is perfectly fine. They sent us home of course, and advised us to "be patient". Throughout the night the contractions picked up but have since waned again. All contractions are lasting 1min and longer. I'm trying to stay positive and stress free, keeping busy with lighthouse work, meal prep and walking but this is Frustrating! Especially because I'm not getting much rest when the contractions pick up at night. Has anyone experienced this before, and if so, how did you cope with the stop and start?! Thank you!

willashbaby

It's called prodromal labor. I've been having it all week, including going on 6 hours today. It is what it is. I haven't gone in and don't plan on it unless the contractions are strong enough to cause me serious pain and 3-5 min for at least two hours with my track record. I'm also planning on taking a hot shower and if they're still going then I'll consider it "real". It is what it is, I cope by staying busy and comfortable. Having a yoga ball has been very helpful for comfort and changing positions. 

maddisonwallace

I have had this and went in twice for it thinking I was in labor! I got the chills, sweats, they were even taking my breath away. My doctor pretty much just told me that it meant my body is getting close to the actual thing, and that the next time it happens to make sure they last 1 min, 4 min apart for an hour and a half. Every time I had come in they were 30-35 sec, 3.5 min apart for literally 7-8 hours... And then as soon as I would show up to the doctor they would start spacing out. It has been driving me up the wall.

BBEA2006

I've had it as well and my midwife wasn't concerned but said when it turns into real labor, I will know...which I'm sure I will.  That said, she mentioned that baby is sunny side up and my contractions may be trying to help turn the baby to get ready.  I know that isn't the case for everyone but if you feel the hands and stuff in the front, near your pubic line, that could be the reason.  She suggested doing exercises on all fours, rocking back and forth and no reclining to get baby to turn.  Good luck and hang in there...it is definitely exhausting! 

clabgust

I am in the same boat. But @willashbaby I'm not going in until I know it's real also. Trying to stay busy and relaxed. It'll happen sooner than later! I'm 38 weeks today he's got some time

alandaim

I have this. With my DD I did not, I pretty much had zero painful contractions until I was truely in labor. This time I have been getting some pretty painful contractions, mainly at night, but they don't go anywhere. I know they are not "the real deal" because when I was in labor with DD I could not lay down or sit through a contraction. These contractions suck, but I can stay in bed or sit on the couch.

bella2210

Yeah, my due date is tomorrow. I'm feeling a little defeated here. I'm trying acupuncture, just in case. I didn't anticipate all this emotion and I'm tired of getting reassurance from people who went into labor early. I know it's ridiculous to think I'll be pregnant forever but I do have that fear. The contractions have been starting and stopping and it makes me feel like there is something wrong with my body. SO has gotten so excited and I feel like I've let him down every time they stop again. Again, I know that's not rational but it's still happening all the same.

bella2210

@alandaim that's a good way to gauge the contractions. They hurt but I am always able to sit. They got to the point last night where I wanted to be alone, somewhere quiet but I could still sit or lay down through them.