UPDATE****Advice Needed from my PgAL ladies, please?

CaitNMatt · July 2014

I need advice. And I'll try to make it quick and simple about what's going on. I realize that this question/situation may not apply to everyone yet as we are all in different places in our pregnancies. As many of you know, my due date is tomorrow!!!! Yep. Tomorrow. For the last 5 nights, I have been having pretty regular, painful contractions beginning in the evening and going through the night. Every night they are getting more and more painful. Yesterday, they began at 3pm and they went from like 12 minutes apart down to 3-5minutes (middle of the night). The problem is... I can keep them going as long as I am moving!! If I'm walking, standing, bouncing, etc. they are crazy painful and close together. The second I lay down and relax/fall asleep, they stop. Last night was so bad that at 2:30am I started packing my toiletries, put in my contacts, etc. By 3:30 I was ready to wake my DH when I realized I was starving! So, I ate a Luna bar and decided to just rest for a few minutes on the bed and let him sleep till 4am then we would go in. Next thing I know, it's 5am and I have had zero contractions since I fell asleep. Son of a bitch. I literally started bawling in bed. It had been 5 nights of this, and I was exhausted beyond words. SO, I put on my shoes, walked downstairs and out the front door. (I had been walking around the outside perimeter of our house all night long) I walked for an hour again, and nothing. So, finally at 5:30am I gave up, cried, prayed and fell asleep.

My question for you ladies is this..... if this happens again tonight, which is looking like a huge possibility, should I just go to L&D during my contractions? Or should I just keep waiting? I feel like if I go in with these painful things, they can keep them going once they stall out. But, I also hate to get there and then be sent home. I'm just frustrated, ready and exhausted... and I haven't even given birth!!! Any insight, words of wisdom, or even support would be so appreciated. At this point, my mom agrees with my plan. My DH thinks we should wait, unless it's obviously the real thing or my water breaks. But, he is supportive and willing to do whatever I want. I'm just up in the air. Help?!

UPDATE: Had my appt this morning and we have an end in sight!!! Had some bloody show this morning and she also stripped my membranes even further and said I could easily go into full blown labor either today or tomorrow. If I don't, she'd like me to come to L&D Wednesday morning and they'll give me not cervadil, but the other vaginal pill to help get things started. I Can't remember the name of the pill though- cytotec? She agrees with me not wanting to be strapped to a bed if I can avoid it so this is a better solution to pitocin. I am having a lot of pain now and and hoping things progress on its own either today or tomorrow, but I am happy with the plan we have in place. I really trust my midwife and like her thinking and approach to things. Well, that's my update!! I'll keep you posted

whiteroses05 · July 2014

If it would be me I would call the doctors office at least and see what they say. I don't see the harm though of heading to the hospital. I would just be concerned that the contractions would stop in the car since you are again sitting still. Good luck and keep us updated!

CaitNMatt · July 2014

Thank you ladies!!! I should have mentioned that on Monday I was 2cm, 90% effaced with baby's head very low. I'm assuming around -2 station bc he was at -3 the week before and she said he moved down another station.

I also had my membranes stripped on Monday which gave me wicked cramps!

Unknown · July 2014

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2redtulips · July 2014

I don't have any advice, but I can imagine the frustration. Hope the real deal starts soon!

CaraH · July 2014

I hate to say this, because is know you are so, so ready to be done. (It's 4 years, and I still remember it so clearly.). But, I wouldn't go in. The hospital is about the worst place to labor, even if they admit you. And they won't admit you for contractions, you need to be dilated. I'd sleep tonight and walk and walk during the day tomorrow.

MrsHamon09 · July 2014

((Hugs)) I am sure that has to be frustrating. T&P the real deal starts soon.

Mom2anAngel2 · July 2014

I had a similar thing with DS. My doctor even sent me to L&D once, but they sent me home saying it was "prodromal labor." I continued like that for 5 days. On the 5th night I started having back labor. I didn't want to go to L&D again only to be sent home again, so I went to my OB's office. They montored me for about an hour and said that this time was active labor. I think I was also at 2 CM for 2 weeks prior to DS being born.

I'm sorry, it can be so frustrating when you just want something to happen. I hope your LO makes an appearance very soon.

princezjk · July 2014

((( big hugs))). I can feel your frustration and I still have 8 days until my EDD. I hope last night was your night! If not, I say call your doc to see what s/he says about the pattern of your contractions.

megbmeg · July 2014

I'm sorry! What an exhausting, frustrating experience! Have you checked in with your OB or midwife about this pattern? I would say call now to see what their advice is, but the darn weekend is getting in the way, right? I think I would still call the on call person, either now to find out what to do if the contractions resume tonight, or tonight if/when it happens. Poor mama!! I hope you can get some rest today, and that things get going more reliably.

chicagojackie · July 2014

Most first time moms go into false labor 2-4 times before the real deal. If they can go away with laying down and having some juice and a snack then you are not in labor.

Also there is no number the docs admit at. If you're admitted for observation and your cervix changes from 1 to 2 with contractions, you're in labor! If you come in at 3 and there is no change with contractions you are not in labor. However depending on your dates and their availability your doc may choose to induce you at that time.

The waiting is the worst! Two nights before dd was induced I had the same thing. I was so frustrated! Hang in there!!

CaraH · July 2014

I keep checking to see if there's an update. I'm hoping the lack of one means good news. Fingers crossed for you.

CaitNMatt · July 2014

Unfortunately nothing..... I go tomorrow morning for my 40week appt. Still lots of contractions but nothing that's warranting me to go in. I know I probably sound so whiny, but it's been a long time waiting for this little guy and I can't wait to hold him!!!

mmsweeney1 · July 2014

I wonder if you'll make it to your appointment tomorrow? I think you've been doing the right thing by not going in yet. As frustrated as you are, I think going to the hospital and being sent home will make you feel even more impatient and frustrated! Plus if you got there and contractions stalled, they might want to start you on pitocin, which may or may not be something you're interested in. Your little guy sure must be cozy in there!!