I'll know for sure if baby is still head down at my next u/s, but she's hanging pretty low {yes you can tell, no she hasn't dropped - OB confirmed, but could mean she'll drop quick} But I heard a rumour/theory/old wives tale I'm curious if any STM+ have experienced.
Apparently baby hanging low can mean quick and efficient labour - yes? no? depends? {side note: I'm reading as 5 days ahead of EDD}
@misskittydanger I'm not positive. But i can say from my first experience, ds was always pretty low. Yet my induction at 39wks was 36 hrs of absolutely nothing. I would have thought he would have been semi close but nope. But maybe it's different if you go into labor and not induced.
me:35 DH:34 DS: born oct 2012 TFAS: BFP #1 aug16. miscarriage sept16 BFP #2 nov16 MMC dec16. d&c jan17 BFP #3 sept17 EDD 5/31/18 fingers crossed for our rainbow baby
@catlady1215 damn! When MIL went into labour, she was 30hrs with my H, I'm kinda hoping I'll be more like my mum - water broke at 10am, I was born at 3:04am
Thank you ladies for the advice! I set up a tour for Tuesday after our growth ultrasound of the hospital with the NICU so we can have an even comparison of both facilities because we didn't get a full picture of the entire floor when I was there being monitored last week. We should also know more after our ultrasound how he's doing on the inside to help us make our choice!
When does labor start exactly as far as calculating time?
I've heard if your water breaks, that's when there's a time frame for infection purposes {ie; water breaks at 10am, some hospitals will want you in there within 4hrs so they can monitor}
@MissKittyDanger DD was always low, never noticed her actually drop- but she didn't have me out of breathe the way this one does. I was in labor at the hospital for 18 hours- I was not induced but I was tired and opted for drugs within minutes of being checked in. Painkillers, especially an epidural will slow down your labor. My mom said full labor and delivery of me lasted roughly 4 hours- so you may not follow the same pattern as your own birth even if you are hoping for a similar situation.
@ffw0617 it's hard to pinpoint unless your labor starts with your water breaking. I had BH contractions on and off most of the day before having DD. Around 7-8pm I was feeling lots of BHs and pretty uncomfortable so I went to bed (which was a normal nightly event during that pregnancy). By the time MH came to bed around 11pm I wasn't even able to stay in the bed- but still thought they were BH. The contractions were not lasting a minute (which was what I was told to look for) but they were coming roughly 1-2 apart. The dr on call told us to go to the hospital- they confirmed it was active labor and that's when we started our labor time clock. Both my mom and MIL had their water break while they were sleeping, and delivered within a few hours.
@ffw0617 labor starts when you start having "real" contractions that begin to change the dilation of your cervix. With an induction, this is probably easier to gauge because people are actually checking you and confirming that you're in "real/early" labor. Without an induction, it's subjective. I think some women probably count labor starting as like OMG I NEED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL (which may or may not be an omg situation, but probably a painful one regardless), but some might retroactively look back and say ah, okay, so labor probably started like 10am that day, I just didn't realize at first, and then count that time. If that makes sense.
@ffw0617 as far as when to go to the hospital, most will say 3-1-1 or 5-1-1 meaning 3-5 minutes between contractions (starting start to start, not end to start), lasting one minute, consistently for an hour. If your water breaks, hospitals will tend to want you to deliver within 24 hours because the risk of infection increases, though it mostly increases because of cervical checks (different story if meconium is in the amniotic fluid; which you'll know because it'll be green). If your water breaks, however, even if you aren't contracting as frequently or dilated as much you get higher "priority" than if your water hadn't broken, so you're less likely to get turned away or have to wait for a delivery room.
@doxiemoxie212 while at my OBs office ive seen them give L&D instructions to women as in when to go to the hospital, when to call the doctor, etc. but I’ve never seen it.
@ffw0617 as far as when to go to the hospital, most will say 3-1-1 or 5-1-1 meaning 3-5 minutes between contractions (starting start to start, not end to start), lasting one minute, consistently for an hour. If your water breaks, hospitals will tend to want you to deliver within 24 hours because the risk of infection increases, though it mostly increases because of cervical checks (different story if meconium is in the amniotic fluid; which you'll know because it'll be green). If your water breaks, however, even if you aren't contracting as frequently or dilated as much you get higher "priority" than if your water hadn't broken, so you're less likely to get turned away or have to wait for a delivery room.
Bolded. I'm confused {it's been a friggen day ....} do you mean from start of one contraction to the start of the next?
@ffw0617 if my water broke I'd start the labor clock at that point.
As for when to go to the hospital- you will call your OB before going to the hospital and they will let you know if you should go or not. They will ask if your water broke, how long the contractions are, how long between them, can you talk through a contraction, do you have a your bloody show, ect. The Dr calls the hospital at that point to alert them you are coming. You may have to wait for a L&D room to open once you get there though. The hospital I had DD at had 8 L&D rooms and 2 waiting/holding rooms. If all 8 were full, you had a waiting room- you also were in these rooms for c-section prep and recovery. I don't remember how many L&D rooms are at my hospital this time, but it was a similar number. Some days there are just a lot of births- some days not so many. There was a full house when DD was born- and we had to wait for a room to be cleaned during our maternity tour at our current hospital. The nurse doing our tour said they will try to get you a room as soon as you arrive, but if they are short on rooms, they will give priority those closest to delivery.
In my personal experience with DD, I would go to the hospital shortly after your water breaking. I went from absolutely zero real contractions prior to my water breaking to contractions every 30 seconds within 20 min (the time it took to drive to the hospital). My labor progressed super fast and DD was here less than 8 hours later. I was 3 cm dialated for 3 weeks before she came and was still at 3 when I got to the hospital, but by the time I walked back to L&D I was at 6...there's a good chance if you're a FTM you won't progress this quickly, but it won't hurt anything to go right away bc you never know.
@momac1919 sounds very similar to mine... I laid down after my water broke (not sure if that was what had happened) and almost 30 minutes later on the dot those contractions started hard and fast. 5 minutes apart to start and 3 minutes apart in the car. No easing into it. Also, they recommend you to go in right away if your water breaks in case of cord prolapse
I'm gonna talk to my OB, but in first prenatal class they talked about 5-1-1 - but after my water breaking, I may see if calling the hospital is a better option since I'm FTM
We were also told that you can go without having contractions for 24hrs without risk after your water breaking ... even though it's a public health nurse doing the classes, that personally doesn't sound safe Anyone else?
@MissKittyDanger With DD, my water broke around 3:30pm and I started Pitocin around 11pm. at my OB's recommendation because I wasn't having any contractions. She did say that I was at increased risk of infection after 24 hours, which is why I decided to have an emergency C-section after stalling. DD was born at 1:27 pm the next day.
@MissKittyDanger talk to your doctor, but unless there’s meconium in the water my understanding is it’s safe. I think you only really risk cord prolapse if you’re having crazy contractions too in which case get thy self to a hospital. Hospitals in nyc just straight up will send you home if you’re not progressed enough. They just don’t have room. But that might not be the case at your hospital. It’s much less common outside of major cities.
Also just to add its relatively rare for your water to break first. Usually it’s farther into labor and often your doctor will break it for you. I know it’s what’s in all movies but it’s not really that common IRL.
It must depend a lot on each practice then because I had asked my OB a few weeks before labor, if I’m at work and my water breaks do I have time to go home to clean up and grab my things and he said nope, if it breaks come straight here (I work in the same hospital I deliver in and his clinic is also right across the street). Each OB will differ I guess!
@doxiemoxie212 What's 'meconium' ? Hospitals here will likely send you home unless you're to a certain point, unless your water breaks - then I hear it depends. {also depends on the hospital where it depends on how far along they'll admit you}
For reference - my mum's water broke on it's own, MIL had to have her water broken for both my H and BIL
@MissKittyDanger Yeah, my OB told me to come in ASAP after my water broke. Also, meconium is baby's first poop. If baby poops in utero, that could possibly cause infection.
@MissKittyDanger I was one of the "lucky" few who's water breaks before contractions start. I called L&D and they told me I could come in right then, if I wanted, or wait up to 12 hours. I opted to wait because I wanted to avoid unnecessary interventions, and it was 9pm so I wanted to try to get some sleep (that didn't happen!). Started contractions a few hours later, but not consistent.
The on call dr let me "progress" for almost 24 more hours before my dr showed up and gave me pitocin. I did start getting antibiotics 18 hours after water breaking to avoid infection, and no cervical checks either. Its funny because my dr was actually really mad that I hadn't been given pitocin to get things going sooner. It goes to show that it can vary even within a practice.
My story is similar to @kfren my water broke, I went in pretty quickly. Contractions never started, they put me on pitocin and... my body said "screw this, I'm out." So 12 hours later I had an emergency csection. Every situation is different, mine went from 0-60 scary fast, so I didn't even get a choice of waiting to see if my body would buck up. I have friends who have gone as far as 36 hours after broken water, but it really depends on baby/mama and how they're doing in labor.
My water didn't break until I was in transition - between 8 and 9 cm - and roughly 3 hours after I got to the hospital. Ask your OB, but I'm supposed to call when I think I'm in labor, and keep them updated on my status. They didn't want me coming to the hospital until I couldnt' talk through contractions. I was well beyond the 5-1-1 stage when they told me to come in.
Being induced both times I've never had my water break on its own. Both times a doctor had to break it for me (and one attempt to break it didn't even work). For those of you who end up induced and you're on the fence about an epidural know this - contractions get more painful after your water is broken. If you want the epidural, try to get it before the doctor breaks your water.
First Son - born 2013
Second Son - born 2014 - Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV). First open heart surgery at 5 days old. He's had 3 open heart surgeries and several other procedures and is currently doing amazing. Third Son - due June 9, 2018
Did I tell you guys my mom's friend's daughter just gave birth a few days ago, and she was one of those crazies that "wasn't sure" she was in labor so didn't arrive at the hospital until 9.5 cm, got an epidural and then delivered the baby with the amniotic sac in tact? Rare bird.
@doxiemoxie212 they let her do the epidural at 9.5cm!? Rare bird indeed
edit my nana was one of those who didn't realize she was in labour for both my dad and aunt. My aunt she was going to be induced the next day anyways - thought it was the pineapple juice she had since it doesn't agree with her - and my dad she had back labour, so she thought it was just back pain lol
Her words: if it seems different than what you're use to, ask. Don't wait. Don't be me
@MissKittyDanger my OB told me it's literally never "too late" to get an epidural unless the baby's head is coming out right that second or the anesthesiologist physically can't get there before the head is coming out. You don't have to start pushing at 10cm unless you feel the urge to so it's not like it's necessarily 100% go time at that point (though for many it is).
@doxiemoxie212 ohh I see. We were told there is a cut off point and from what I understand it's more of a timing thing {ie; how long it takes to work vs how quick you're moving}
@doxiemoxie212 I am “one of those crazies”! Lol. I had no idea I was in labor the first or third time. First time, obviously didn’t know what to expect, thought dinner was fighting back. Third time was back labor and I just thought my back was hurting. Front contractions didn’t start until 11:30pm, baby born 20 min after getting to the hospital at 12:30am.
@meg95995 oh man, that's nuts. I feel like that must be nice, though. I can't imagine being in labor for so long and being so patient and in so much pain and you get to the hospital and they're like, you're 3 cm dilated lol. Though probably also a bit scary to be like AND IT'S GO TIME lol.
Re: Questions? [4/1]
Apparently baby hanging low can mean quick and efficient labour - yes? no? depends?
{side note: I'm reading as 5 days ahead of EDD}
DS: born oct 2012
TFAS: BFP #1 aug16. miscarriage sept16
BFP #2 nov16 MMC dec16. d&c jan17
BFP #3 sept17 EDD 5/31/18
fingers crossed for our rainbow baby
TTC: 08/2017 EDD: 6/11/2018 FTM
@ffw0617 it's hard to pinpoint unless your labor starts with your water breaking. I had BH contractions on and off most of the day before having DD. Around 7-8pm I was feeling lots of BHs and pretty uncomfortable so I went to bed (which was a normal nightly event during that pregnancy). By the time MH came to bed around 11pm I wasn't even able to stay in the bed- but still thought they were BH. The contractions were not lasting a minute (which was what I was told to look for) but they were coming roughly 1-2 apart. The dr on call told us to go to the hospital- they confirmed it was active labor and that's when we started our labor time clock. Both my mom and MIL had their water break while they were sleeping, and delivered within a few hours.
BFP#4- 9/26 edd 6/5/18
TTC: 08/2017 EDD: 6/11/2018 FTM
idk if it was a certain amount of cm or what?
My former boss told me his wife had to wait for a L&D room for like 2 hours. But idk if her water had already broke, didn’t ask
TTC: 08/2017 EDD: 6/11/2018 FTM
TTC: 08/2017 EDD: 6/11/2018 FTM
I'm confused {it's been a friggen day ....} do you mean from start of one contraction to the start of the next?
1:00pm - contraction starts
1:01pm - contraction ends
1:15pm - contraction starts
1:16pm - contraction ends
Your contractions are 15 minutes apart because you time it start to start, not end to start.
As for when to go to the hospital- you will call your OB before going to the hospital and they will let you know if you should go or not. They will ask if your water broke, how long the contractions are, how long between them, can you talk through a contraction, do you have a your bloody show, ect. The Dr calls the hospital at that point to alert them you are coming. You may have to wait for a L&D room to open once you get there though. The hospital I had DD at had 8 L&D rooms and 2 waiting/holding rooms. If all 8 were full, you had a waiting room- you also were in these rooms for c-section prep and recovery. I don't remember how many L&D rooms are at my hospital this time, but it was a similar number. Some days there are just a lot of births- some days not so many. There was a full house when DD was born- and we had to wait for a room to be cleaned during our maternity tour at our current hospital. The nurse doing our tour said they will try to get you a room as soon as you arrive, but if they are short on rooms, they will give priority those closest to delivery.
BFP#4- 9/26 edd 6/5/18
We were also told that you can go without having contractions for 24hrs without risk after your water breaking ... even though it's a public health nurse doing the classes, that personally doesn't sound safe
Also just to add its relatively rare for your water to break first. Usually it’s farther into labor and often your doctor will break it for you. I know it’s what’s in all movies but it’s not really that common IRL.
Hospitals here will likely send you home unless you're to a certain point, unless your water breaks - then I hear it depends. {also depends on the hospital where it depends on how far along they'll admit you}
For reference - my mum's water broke on it's own, MIL had to have her water broken for both my H and BIL
Also, meconium is baby's first poop. If baby poops in utero, that could possibly cause infection.
The on call dr let me "progress" for almost 24 more hours before my dr showed up and gave me pitocin. I did start getting antibiotics 18 hours after water breaking to avoid infection, and no cervical checks either. Its funny because my dr was actually really mad that I hadn't been given pitocin to get things going sooner. It goes to show that it can vary even within a practice.
I have friends who have gone as far as 36 hours after broken water, but it really depends on baby/mama and how they're doing in labor.
First Son - born 2013
Third Son - due June 9, 2018
edit
my nana was one of those who didn't realize she was in labour for both my dad and aunt. My aunt she was going to be induced the next day anyways - thought it was the pineapple juice she had since it doesn't agree with her - and my dad she had back labour, so she thought it was just back pain lol
Her words: if it seems different than what you're use to, ask. Don't wait. Don't be me