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16 hours of early labor/contractions...need advice!

agent79@me.comagent79@me.com member
in Natural Birth

Ok, so I woke up around 6am with contractions, and the "bloody show". The midwives told us to come in, just to be sure my water hadn't broken.

 

It hadn't, and my contractions have been anywhere from 4 minutes apart, to 30 minutes apart, ALL DAY. Now they are about 15 minutes apart.

 

I don't want to be up all night (these contractions are impossible to sleep through), so would you advise that I take a shower to try and slow them down or speed them up?


I'm aiming for a natural birth, but if I'm up ALL night with contractions and exhausted, my odds go way down. :(

 

TIA 

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Re: 16 hours of early labor/contractions...need advice!

  • kxp004kxp004 member
    I can't talk from personal experience but my MWs would say do what you think you need to do... If you feel like you are going to do better in the tub then get in it... try to do anything to make it easier--bc youre right, youre in for the long hall later, so definately try to get as much rest as possible and if that means trying to relax/slow them down then do it... Trust your instinct and good luck!
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  • KateLouiseKateLouise member

    Hi there,

    I had early labour/contractions from Thursday morning, and gave birth Saturday morning 130am.

    I had a "natural" birth in the most part, although I was given saline to boost my energy.

    i didn't think I'd be able to sleep through the contractions but I did get a few hours. i also napped on and off through the day on the Friday. the adrenalin kept me going when it got down to the business end. I had 7 hours of active labour.

    Obviously it's impossible to know if my contractions were as intense as yours are, but hang in there, youw ill be amazed what you can push through.

    I agree with pp, do whatever feels like it will feel best fo ryou in the here and now2.

     Good luck for your impending birth. How very exciting for you. 

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    Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old
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  • scootRNscootRN member

    My Bradley instructor also recommended a dose of Benadryl to help you sleep in early labor. It also helps you to relax, which can help move things along.

    You can do it! 

    Mama to sunshine baby "J" 5.13.11 and angel baby "E" born still on 2.11.14
    TTC our rainbow since April '14

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  • CaseBrideCaseBride

    If your baby is still up really high, you might try doing the pelvic floor release exercise from spinningbabies.com - can help baby to move down/engage and make contractions more productive.

    GL!

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  • Sam78Sam78
    I was also going to suggest something to help you sleep.  Even if you don't actually sleep, you should try to relax, it will help the contrax be more productive and conserve your energy for later.
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  • DarrenAndMelissaDarrenAndMelissa
    Try to find a way to rest for a little while. I had a 41 hour labor with no sleep with DD and my emotions started taking over at hour 36. Sleep will help keep your head clear so you can keep going naturally. Good luck! :)
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  • Mrs. TLCMrs. TLC
    i would also do something to help you relax or sleep. my doula recommended a glass of wine when i was at that early stage (though mine were every 5 min and it was late at night)... i didnt take her up on it and ended up with a 40hr labor, so in retrospect i do wish i had rested that first night!
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