@annabenanna I understand their reaction and I completely agree I have valid reason to schedule a c-section. I think that's probably the right choice for most women. It'd take me all night to list out all of my history and rationale but the basic short summary is I am 95% sure I can get through labor with little to no breathing issues. However I've never experienced labor so I can't be 100 % sure how my body will react or where my limit is. But everything I've gathered from others, especially hard core athletes who gave birth, says the worst part of labor is the drawn out pain, not continuous extreme physical exertion. The actual pushing is a small part, time wise. It also seems there is the option to "sit out" a contraction or two, which would give me several minutes to regroup. But I don't know! And the specialists like to give noncommittal answers.
Any BTDT moms who can describe contractions and pushing in some sort of athletic terms so I can compare?
Any BTDT moms who can describe contractions and pushing in some sort of athletic terms so I can compare?
Unfortunately there isn't really one answer to this question, and there's no way to know for sure how your labor will go. A "textbook" labor is like what you described, more marathon than sprint, and managing pain over an extended period of time rather than total physical exertion. However, not everyone has that kind of story. For me, the transition phase lasted hours because baby had not dropped and was face-up, so I had super intense contractions every 1-2min for hours before the pushing stage, which lasted about 40min. A good friend of mine had an easier labor, but pushed for almost 4hrs. Another friend spent a full 43hrs in active labor before getting a c-section. And another friend went from first cx to baby-in-arms in less than 4hrs total after a fast and furious labor and delivery. You just don't know.
@kmvisioli - from your experience, would you describe labor as aerobic or anaerobic? Now that we're talking about it, I feel like I remember you or someone asking that and not really getting an answer earlier in the pregnancy @books&icecream
Am I the only one with a due date of the 2nd but hoping, praying, and crossing my legs that this child doesn't come until the 7th?
I literally have half of my house that is being furiously remodeled so *no*, to say the least, you are not the only one who is crossing their legs (and anything else that may help). Due 10/1.
@books&icecream - I'm surprised they are now pushing for a C, last I remembered they were just pushing for an epidural? Idk what level of athlete you were or how much you are exercising still. I hope you still are getting in good cardio simply for the fact that you will be better conditioned for birth.
But to be perfectly honest (and mind you this is coming from an epidural btdt mom) if you are in decent physical shape then labor & delivery will NOT be a problem for you. I would really really recommend an epi though, because you will feel less tired with it than without. I am a huge gym rat x15 years and used to play all the sports, and have delivered twice (with an epi) and neither time was I remotely physically exhausted, out of breath or etc. (for reference, I'm exercising now more than I did with last pregnancy and I average about 3x/week on the elliptical or speed walking on the treadmill). Your OB will be mindful during pushing that you need to catch your breath so they won't be pushing you too hard either.
Can you advocate for an epi and oxygen cannula or mask and make that a compromise? And just let them know that if things get hairy then you'd be willing to consider a C *at that time* and not before? Good luck.
ETA: both my labors were also induced with pit. Again ymmv but there is no question that better physical shape = easier labor & delivery (complications notwithstanding). All that being said, I'm not educated on your condition & no amount of O2 being blown in your face will support your breathing if you spontaneously stop/are unconscious.
Any BTDT moms who can describe contractions and pushing in some sort of athletic terms so I can compare?
Unfortunately there isn't really one answer to this question, and there's no way to know for sure how your labor will go. A "textbook" labor is like what you described, more marathon than sprint, and managing pain over an extended period of time rather than total physical exertion. However, not everyone has that kind of story. For me, the transition phase lasted hours because baby had not dropped and was face-up, so I had super intense contractions every 1-2min for hours before the pushing stage, which lasted about 40min. A good friend of mine had an easier labor, but pushed for almost 4hrs. Another friend spent a full 43hrs in active labor before getting a c-section. And another friend went from first cx to baby-in-arms in less than 4hrs total after a fast and furious labor and delivery. You just don't know.
I agree with this. My last labor was short. I was induced. Got the epidural as soon as I got there, didn't feel a thing and pushed for 30 min. My first was a whole different story. My water broke but my contractions never started on their own so I was given pitocin. I managed without an epidural for a while but gave in to the epidural about 5 or 6cm. I can't remember the details now, it's been 13 years, but my epidural was causing my bp to drop and the baby's heart rate to drop so it was either turned off or down really low because I continued to feel everything! And pitocin contractions are the devil! It was basically a never ending contraction, one on top of another and this went on for close to 10 hours until it was time to push. I was exhausted before I ever started pushing and I pushed for 3 more hours. You hold your breath for 10 seconds while you push. Depending on how long you push, that alone can be exhausting. Not at all athletic terms but imagine taking the biggest shit of your life and holding your breath while you do it, for possibly hours. Lol
@books&icecream I've had 2 inductions. The first I was at 5 cm when I got to the hospital, midwife broke my water and contractions started shortly after. I was ok for a few hours until the back labor kicked in. I got the epidural at 7 cm. I pushed for about an hour and had to wear an oxygen mask because the baby was having decels. I couldn't feel anything which I think hindered my progress. The nurse was also counting and making me push for 10 seconds with contractions and I was so tired I just couldn't.
With DD #2 I went from 3 cm to baby in less than 40 minutes, unmedicated. Transition was intense but I was able to breathe through contractions. Pushing was also much easier because I could feel what was going on. And no one was counting, I pushed when I needed to.
I guess my point is that no 2 labors/deliveries are the same. But I would ask about an oxygen mask or other options. Different positions may also be less strenuous.
My labor buddy, @nlane0723, is being admitted right now! It's baby day for her, Jack, and Beckham! Wish her luck and I'm sure she will update with her birth announcement/updates as soon as she can! ❤️
Married 11-11-11 TTC only since Dec 2015. I had some weight to get off. Been working hard in the gym for over a year. BFP 02-15-16 with our first IT'S A BOY!!!
I'm in L&D for elevated BP, monitoring, drawing labs (that I just got done this morning but results not in) etc..they're debating admitting for induction or sending home I guess.
I'm in L&D for elevated BP, monitoring, drawing labs (that I just got done this morning but results not in) etc..they're debating admitting for induction or sending home I guess.
@uponastar16 good luck! Hopefully they can get your results back way faster than the lab! Keep us posted.
I'm in L&D for elevated BP, monitoring, drawing labs (that I just got done this morning but results not in) etc..they're debating admitting for induction or sending home I guess.
Good luck!! Let us know what happens and I hope everything is in your (and baby's) favor!!
As a stereotypical pregnant lady, these announcements totally just gave me goosebumps and made a tear come to my eye. Good luck @nlane0723 and @UponAStar16!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So excited for all the mama's who get to meet their LO's this weekend!!!
Question for those who have had BH or even regular non-labor contractions... Did you feel your LO moving in between them? I'm having what I think are BH, they feel like mild period cramps with tightening in my uterus but I'm feeling it in my lower back too which kind of scares me because I'm only 34 weeks. The thing is, I'm still feeling LO moving around. Thoughts?
Me: 32 & DH: 37
Married: November 2014
TTC #1 Since: October 2015
BFP #1: 11/18/15 - CP BFP #2: 2/8/16 - EDD 10/20/16 IT'S A BOY!!!! DS Born 10/16/16
@MRSCORKER I've often felt him move between BH. I haven't had real contractions yet thankfully but I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the baby will not move during an actual contraction.
Re: Labor and All of it's Glory
It'd take me all night to list out all of my history and rationale but the basic short summary is I am 95% sure I can get through labor with little to no breathing issues. However I've never experienced labor so I can't be 100 % sure how my body will react or where my limit is. But everything I've gathered from others, especially hard core athletes who gave birth, says the worst part of labor is the drawn out pain, not continuous extreme physical exertion. The actual pushing is a small part, time wise. It also seems there is the option to "sit out" a contraction or two, which would give me several minutes to regroup. But I don't know! And the specialists like to give noncommittal answers.
Any BTDT moms who can describe contractions and pushing in some sort of athletic terms so I can compare?
DS#2 due 25 April 2019
Now that we're talking about it, I feel like I remember you or someone asking that and not really getting an answer earlier in the pregnancy @books&icecream
@books&icecream - I'm surprised they are now pushing for a C, last I remembered they were just pushing for an epidural? Idk what level of athlete you were or how much you are exercising still. I hope you still are getting in good cardio simply for the fact that you will be better conditioned for birth.
But to be perfectly honest (and mind you this is coming from an epidural btdt mom) if you are in decent physical shape then labor & delivery will NOT be a problem for you. I would really really recommend an epi though, because you will feel less tired with it than without. I am a huge gym rat x15 years and used to play all the sports, and have delivered twice (with an epi) and neither time was I remotely physically exhausted, out of breath or etc. (for reference, I'm exercising now more than I did with last pregnancy and I average about 3x/week on the elliptical or speed walking on the treadmill). Your OB will be mindful during pushing that you need to catch your breath so they won't be pushing you too hard either.
Can you advocate for an epi and oxygen cannula or mask and make that a compromise? And just let them know that if things get hairy then you'd be willing to consider a C *at that time* and not before? Good luck.
ETA: both my labors were also induced with pit. Again ymmv but there is no question that better physical shape = easier labor & delivery (complications notwithstanding). All that being said, I'm not educated on your condition & no amount of O2 being blown in your face will support your breathing if you spontaneously stop/are unconscious.
With DD #2 I went from 3 cm to baby in less than 40 minutes, unmedicated. Transition was intense but I was able to breathe through contractions. Pushing was also much easier because I could feel what was going on. And no one was counting, I pushed when I needed to.
I guess my point is that no 2 labors/deliveries are the same. But I would ask about an oxygen mask or other options. Different positions may also be less strenuous.
PCOS baby due October 09, 2016
Beta #1: 22.5
Beta #2: 74
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
TTC only since Dec 2015. I had some weight to get off. Been working hard in the gym for over a year.
BFP 02-15-16 with our first
IT'S A BOY!!!
Goodluck @nlane0723! So excited for you! We are all cheering for you and waiting with anticipation!!!!
I'm in L&D for elevated BP, monitoring, drawing labs (that I just got done this morning but results not in) etc..they're debating admitting for induction or sending home I guess.
BFP #1: 7/15/15, SB: 11/14/15
Rainbow baby DS born 9/29/16!!
BFP #3 3/26/18 | Due 12/3/18
I hope everything is going well!!!!
It's happening!
PCOS baby due October 09, 2016
Beta #1: 22.5
Beta #2: 74
Question for those who have had BH or even regular non-labor contractions... Did you feel your LO moving in between them? I'm having what I think are BH, they feel like mild period cramps with tightening in my uterus but I'm feeling it in my lower back too which kind of scares me because I'm only 34 weeks. The thing is, I'm still feeling LO moving around. Thoughts?
Me: 32 & DH: 37
BFP #2: 2/8/16 - EDD 10/20/16
IT'S A BOY!!!!
DS Born 10/16/16