@MRSCORKER and those also experiencing cramps, I just read this on babycenter: "More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions can signal prelabor, which is when your cervix starts to thin and widen, and sets the stage for true labor. Some women experience menstrual-like cramps during this time". I don't mind as much if it's actually getting me closer to D-day!
@LGW2015 That's how I feel about feeling crappy and crampy last night and this morning. If it's doing something to get me closer to delivery then I'm all for it. (but I kind of wish it would hurry up and get here!)
Me:33 DH: 34 Married: May 2011 TTC #1: May 2015 DS: 10/20/2016 TTC #2: June 2019 #2 EDD: 2/20/2020
@MRSCORKER and those also experiencing cramps, I just read this on babycenter: "More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions can signal prelabor, which is when your cervix starts to thin and widen, and sets the stage for true labor. Some women experience menstrual-like cramps during this time". I don't mind as much if it's actually getting me closer to D-day!
Yeah, I'll be interested to see if I'm at all dilated at my appointment next week. FX!
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
@annabenanna I was induced and going through crazy contractions for two days, and I still couldn't tell you exactly what a contraction feels like! I think it really depends what stage of labor and how strong they are too. For me I guess it was like period cramps, at their worst like my torso was in a vise. That was after 2 of something (I think cytotec?) then Pitocin at I think 20 mU/min. I have no clue what normal contractions are like or even whether or not I had any BH, was just a little crampy for the week before I was induced yet barely dilated or effaced. This pic was when I was miserable (bottom graph is contractions)..no one could tell me really what 100 was lol but I figured maybe a pain rating on a scale of 1-10 haha
I'm so paranoid that I'll go into labor at an OB visit when she does the cervix check. Like, she'll go up in there and push so hard that my body just goes "Well okay then, lady!" and boom, there goes my water breaking.
That happened to me with my first! He checked me, went out of the room for something and my water broke. I was alone, walking around the room like wtf do I do, leaking a trail, it was nuts! Lol
I'm so paranoid that I'll go into labor at an OB visit when she does the cervix check. Like, she'll go up in there and push so hard that my body just goes "Well okay then, lady!" and boom, there goes my water breaking.
That happened to me with my first! He checked me, went out of the room for something and my water broke. I was alone, walking around the room like wtf do I do, leaking a trail, it was nuts! Lol
At this point, I'm kind of hoping that happens at my appointment today.
^^^^ Ditto! My appointment is tomorrow and I'm kinda like....well, since I'll already be at the hospital, that would be super convenient. Let's just do it then!
@UponAStar16 This was me too with my first! I was induced and hepped up on pitocin and a million other things and I couldn't really explain what a real contraction felt like. I thought I was alone in this lol. I am hoping this time I go into labor naturally and at least don't have to be on drugs for too long. That was miserable. I'm kind of interested in what it is like for labor to happen on its own!
Me (35) & DH (35)
Married: August 2009 DD #1 born 6/12/14 DD #2 born 10/31/16
Had my 37w appt today, looks like my doc avoids checking the cervix until week 39, so of course I'm assuming I'm 0's across the board....but what if I am dilated?? I wouldn't even know
I've been getting the on and off period-type cramp feelings lately, too. Bout done with this little guy lol, he just gave me a swift kick to the ribs. I'm 37+1, so he's welcome any time.
Haven't had any real Braxton Hicks or any cervix checks or anything with doc, so I have no idea where I stand. Last week's appt, my BP was elevated (136/90) but between stress and getting sick I'm pretty confident my BP isn't anything to worry about, but doc didn't do anything but check his heart rate and sent me for bloodwork just in case. Urine has stayed clean and weight has stayed steady so so-far no pre-e scares.
I have my weekly appt tomorrow so hopefully I'll get a chance to talk to her about things like when she wants me to go to L&D, is he head down, I should probably let her know I'm having a doula with us, along with I'd like to stop working starting 10/4, but I need a note from her if I want to start my met leave early.
Countdown to Baby H! Mommy to Elizabeth (6/18/09), preemie at 34 weeks
I have an appt today too and for once I'm actually hoping the doc checks down there! I definitely want baby to be ready but small signs of progress would be appreciated too
What about baby dropping? What does that usually feel like? Is that something that is actually notice-able, or does it just feel like baby is changing position or kicking?
...has that been mentioned already? I tried to catch up on the thread, but we're on page 24 now, y'all!
@bamacoop no firsthand knowledge here because mine hasn't dropped yet, but from what I understand it will just feel like more pressure in your pelvis and bladder but less cramped up top. It's supposed to be easier to breathe, more room for your lungs and ribs and less heartburn. Pretty much everything you'd expect when your baby's head lowers into your pelvis haha
Had my 37w appt today, looks like my doc avoids checking the cervix until week 39, so of course I'm assuming I'm 0's across the board....but what if I am dilated?? I wouldn't even know
So what if you are? Baby won't just fall out
Seriously though, if you really feel like something might be happening, talk to your doc about your concerns and maybe they'll check you early. You should be the one making that call, in my opinion.
I'm in the opposite camp and am actually declining cervical checks because I don't want to get my hopes up (or be disappointed). My doctor is respecting my wishes because labor will happen when it happens - dilation and effacement don't always tell you much.
@bamacoop - FTM here so I'm guessing at pretty much everything I'm feeling, but to me, dropping has felt more like I feel more pressure in the pelvic area, like little jolts of having to pee when it's really dire. Also more pelvic pressure. I can't speak to feeling more room up top/finding it easier to breath. Baby is definitely on her way down because two weeks ago I was already 1.5" dilated and 80% effaced. The OB actually checked me and then said "How the hell are you still walking around?!"
bamacoop With my first, I felt a lot more pressure lower and started having more pain in my hips. This time around I hadn't really noticed the feeling of dropping until this past Saturday. At my appointment last week I was at a -3 station, and I won't be surprised for that to be closer at my next appointment because I was doing stuff around the house on Saturday and felt baby drop that put a lot more pressure lower, more on my bladder, and my sciatic pain has become more common. I got used to the added pressure through the weekend, but feeling the drop was really weird.
I've also noticed that after baby started dropping that I can breathe easier and I don't have as much acid reflux since I think my stomach is starting to get a little more space the lower baby drops.
@bamacoop I carry low anyway but in my experience you don't actually feel the baby drop. Baby just snuggles in lower. Like others have said, lots of pelvic pressure, especially when standing. Feeling like you need to pee all the time. And by the end I can't cross my legs.
I can't remember (since this thread is 24 pages long lol) have we talked about eating while in labor?
I keep forgetting to ask my doc, but my doula is pretty sure once you're admitted to our hospital, it's no eating until after delivery. I don't know if I'm going to want to eat, but I hate the thought of being denied if I want it. I worry about exhaustion because I haven't had nutrition, you know?
Anybody thinking of sneaking snacks when the nurses are out? Anybody have a "last meal" that you'll grab on the way to the hospital or eat at home before you leave?
My doula said to pretend I'm running marathon and carb up accordingly for sustained energy, but all I seem to want are noodles and hot buttered toast lol.
Countdown to Baby H! Mommy to Elizabeth (6/18/09), preemie at 34 weeks
@Kaytee1087, when we did our hospital tour, the lady said that in the past, they didn't allow food once admitted... only jello and ice chips---but they've changed their strategy since then. She said Kaiser now serves women in labor sandwiches and tv dinners! You may want to check with your hospital.
Had my 37w appt today, looks like my doc avoids checking the cervix until week 39, so of course I'm assuming I'm 0's across the board....but what if I am dilated?? I wouldn't even know
So what if you are? Baby won't just fall out
Seriously though, if you really feel like something might be happening, talk to your doc about your concerns and maybe they'll check you early. You should be the one making that call, in my opinion.
I'm in the opposite camp and am actually declining cervical checks because I don't want to get my hopes up (or be disappointed). My doctor is respecting my wishes because labor will happen when it happens - dilation and effacement don't always tell you much.
I think I'm secretly (unrealistically) hoping I'm 8cm dilated with no real discomfort lol whaaat it happens!! Lol
@Kaytee1087 my hospital said you can eat in the early stages of labour but not active labour because in their opinion you'll just end up puking. BUT my hospital allows you to drink "clear" fluids. I put it in quotes because they allow juices, pretty much anything but milk, so I'm packing some poweraide to keep energy up.
Still home I am on Modified Bed rest basically I am not supposed to leave the house or couch unless I'm going to the Dr or for one of my tests. I'm supposed to walk 5 minutes after each meal just to keep my blood sugar down other than that my behind is parked. I did have to break it today yo go and get my daughter from School he dad is fixing his Grandma's roof and my dad who is only other person autherized to pick her up was on nights and was sleeping so I left 20 minutes early took my time and then we walked home super slow. I am not parked again. Pains are still 10 minutes apart Mr or Missy freaks out with every pain trying to get away from it.
@LauraPCOS my midwife won't check until 39 weeks either. I'm totally ok with that though, because I'd be overanalyzing the shit out of even the smallest dilation at this point. I don't want to get my hopes up that I'll go early. At 39 weeks if I'm showing decent progress in terms of dilation/effacement, then she said we could do a membrane strip to try to move things along. That's the part I'm super nervous about, I heard it hurts like a biotch.
My 37 week check with DD was 0 dilated 0 effaced... then three nights later my water broke! That said I'm super curious to see if there is any progress. My dr said they'd start checking at this appointment (currently chilling in the waiting room), but I'm having to see an on call dr so I'm not sure what his standard start time is.
I'm planning to pack my own snacks because I'm a rebel that gets hangry. I was oked a bowl of cereal when they thought I had another 12 ish hours with DD1 and it was Heavenly at the time. I still love corn flakes from that experience alone.
@Mintz1982 I can't believe that baby is still hanging around in there! Take it easy!
Had my 37 week appt today and my OB doesn't check either. Which is fine because my last cervical check (when I thought my water was leaking) was PAINFUL!! Good news is my hospital won't let me go past 41 weeks, so baby will be here in no more than 3.5 weeks!
(was in l&d for about 24 hours bc a spot protein check showed my urine numbers tripled since last Monday)
24 hour urine showed it went back down to around 600mg which is my baseline (i have kidney issues from lupus) so they sent me home on "bed rest". basically take it easy and i told them i was going to my nail and wax appt tomorrow.
have the mfm tm and the ob Friday. as of now i will be induced next thursday which is 37 weeks (full term!!!)
special ❤️❤️ to everyone for checking on me! (and sorry i didn't post sooner, 3 hours of sleep on a crappy bed meant i came home, showered, and crashed)
Had my 37w appt today, looks like my doc avoids checking the cervix until week 39, so of course I'm assuming I'm 0's across the board....but what if I am dilated?? I wouldn't even know
So what if you are? Baby won't just fall out
Seriously though, if you really feel like something might be happening, talk to your doc about your concerns and maybe they'll check you early. You should be the one making that call, in my opinion.
I'm in the opposite camp and am actually declining cervical checks because I don't want to get my hopes up (or be disappointed). My doctor is respecting my wishes because labor will happen when it happens - dilation and effacement don't always tell you much.
I think I'm secretly (unrealistically) hoping I'm 8cm dilated with no real discomfort lol whaaat it happens!! Lol
This is me! lol unfortunately I'm only 1 cm dilated. Fingers crossed for big numbers next week!
My hospital also doesn't allow food once you get there until after delivery. I think they do the clear liquids thing and they said I can have lollipops (but no hard candy, choking hazard?)
I'm not sure about the hospital, but my doctor made it sound like you could eat but you wouldn't want to. (Which is fine - but I plan on being prepared.) I WILL have snacks available and I WILL eat them if I want to. Unfortunately my OB wasn't clear on GD-friendly snacks. I doubt a popsicle or jello is a good idea - I don't want to sugar baby up just before she gets shoved out and then her sugar drops. I have little cups of peanut butter and I got milk juice boxes (the kind that aren't refrigerated). Broth would work but I would want it warmed. I'm really worried about this. I'm terrified of wanting food and not having it. I'd rather be able to eat and then barf it back up.
My doctor's office had me undress, so I thought I was going to get checked, but then the nurse came in and said since I was already strep-B positive they didn't need to swab me and I could get dressed unless I wanted the doctor to check me. I decided... against. I haven't had any symptoms that make me think I might be dilating, and I don't want the baby to come before October anyway so I can pass down all my opals. Once it's October, I might brave it just in case it does get things started!
My hospital didn't let me have anything but water and popsicles either once they had me hooked up to the IVs. Considering how long it took me to transition after they started the pitocin, I'm sneaking in food this time. Eff all that mess, I am not being starved again!
How do you differentiate between a contraction and a baby kicking?
There are pulls/tugs I've been feeling where it feels like the baby is hitting me in the crotch and my belly tightens and I have to stop what I'm doing and find myself clenching. It lasts about 10 - 20 seconds.
But I can't tell if it's just the baby moving (and he's just super low) or if it's a contraction?
@annabenanna feel your whole uterus when that happens. If the whole thing is tight (it doesn't let you indent it like normal) that's a contraction. If just part of it is tight but another part feels like normal, it's probably just baby.
@sjo_thetwins gotcha! I read somewhere that when you have a contraction, your belly gets as hard as your chin. I've been using that as my barometer. I've definitely felt it as hard as my chin! But the next time I feel a crotch kick, I'm gonna feel my entire belly and see.
Im 36 weeks + 5 and as of today 1 cm dilated, 75% effaced and baby has dropped. I honestly had no idea she dropped, noticed nothing different... And I have no idea how to.tell the difference between a baby stretch and a BH. Doc assures me ill know when the real contractions start, I'm not feeling confident
Re: Labor and All of it's Glory
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
Me: 32 & DH: 37
BFP #2: 2/8/16 - EDD 10/20/16
IT'S A BOY!!!!
DS Born 10/16/16
DD #1 born 6/12/14
DD #2 born 10/31/16
Haven't had any real Braxton Hicks or any cervix checks or anything with doc, so I have no idea where I stand. Last week's appt, my BP was elevated (136/90) but between stress and getting sick I'm pretty confident my BP isn't anything to worry about, but doc didn't do anything but check his heart rate and sent me for bloodwork just in case. Urine has stayed clean and weight has stayed steady so so-far no pre-e scares.
I have my weekly appt tomorrow so hopefully I'll get a chance to talk to her about things like when she wants me to go to L&D, is he head down, I should probably let her know I'm having a doula with us, along with I'd like to stop working starting 10/4, but I need a note from her if I want to start my met leave early.
Mommy to Elizabeth (6/18/09), preemie at 34 weeks
Team Blue!
What about baby dropping? What does that usually feel like? Is that something that is actually notice-able, or does it just feel like baby is changing position or kicking?
...has that been mentioned already? I tried to catch up on the thread, but we're on page 24 now, y'all!
Seriously though, if you really feel like something might be happening, talk to your doc about your concerns and maybe they'll check you early. You should be the one making that call, in my opinion.
I'm in the opposite camp and am actually declining cervical checks because I don't want to get my hopes up (or be disappointed). My doctor is respecting my wishes because labor will happen when it happens - dilation and effacement don't always tell you much.
I've also noticed that after baby started dropping that I can breathe easier and I don't have as much acid reflux since I think my stomach is starting to get a little more space the lower baby drops.
I keep forgetting to ask my doc, but my doula is pretty sure once you're admitted to our hospital, it's no eating until after delivery. I don't know if I'm going to want to eat, but I hate the thought of being denied if I want it. I worry about exhaustion because I haven't had nutrition, you know?
Anybody thinking of sneaking snacks when the nurses are out?
Anybody have a "last meal" that you'll grab on the way to the hospital or eat at home before you leave?
My doula said to pretend I'm running marathon and carb up accordingly for sustained energy, but all I seem to want are noodles and hot buttered toast lol.
Mommy to Elizabeth (6/18/09), preemie at 34 weeks
Team Blue!
Pains are still 10 minutes apart Mr or Missy freaks out with every pain trying to get away from it.
I'm planning to pack my own snacks because I'm a rebel that gets hangry. I was oked a bowl of cereal when they thought I had another 12 ish hours with DD1 and it was Heavenly at the time. I still love corn flakes from that experience alone.
@Mintz1982 I can't believe that baby is still hanging around in there! Take it easy!
My hospital also doesn't allow food once you get there until after delivery. I think they do the clear liquids thing and they said I can have lollipops (but no hard candy, choking hazard?)
My doctor's office had me undress, so I thought I was going to get checked, but then the nurse came in and said since I was already strep-B positive they didn't need to swab me and I could get dressed unless I wanted the doctor to check me. I decided... against. I haven't had any symptoms that make me think I might be dilating, and I don't want the baby to come before October anyway so I can pass down all my opals. Once it's October, I might brave it just in case it does get things started!
How do you differentiate between a contraction and a baby kicking?
There are pulls/tugs I've been feeling where it feels like the baby is hitting me in the crotch and my belly tightens and I have to stop what I'm doing and find myself clenching. It lasts about 10 - 20 seconds.
But I can't tell if it's just the baby moving (and he's just super low) or if it's a contraction?
And I have no idea how to.tell the difference between a baby stretch and a BH. Doc assures me ill know when the real contractions start, I'm not feeling confident