Questions from a FTM to you.

boobooxo · February 2015

Hello ladies! First of all I'm 38 weeks and 4 days. I've been slowly losing my plug over the course of a little over 2 weeks but no blood or the "show". My doctor tries to rush all my appointments and I don't feel like they really care anymore which is upsetting so trying to get answers to questions are very short and brushed off. He hasn't checked me for any dilation in 3 weeks!! I've been having actual contractions on and off since I was 34 weeks. He said he doesn't think it's necessary to check me for dilation and why disturb anything.... umm okay he's the doctor right? OK well anyways... did you experience the show before active labor? Does everyone's water break? Do you think requesting to be checked for dilation would be a good idea? Any hints if you felt any different in the few days before you went into labor? I've had a terrible case of nesting the last week. Any and all advise would be amazing. Thank you to you all.

yoursincelery · February 2015

I'm 39 wks 3 days, FTM, so I can only share what I've learned so far.

Only about 10% of women go into labor by spontaneous water breaking, so the chances of it happening before you even have contractions are slim. Everyone's water will break, either on their own or by the doctor doing it in the hospital, although some (very few) babies are born in caul, meaning in an in-tact amniotic sac. It's perfectly fine and kind of cool. Some doctors and midwives don't see a need for cervical checks until labor starts, and a lot of people will say that it doesn't matter if you are dilated/effaced much before labor. You could walk around as 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced for weeks before anything happened, and likewise you could do all your cervical ripening during active labor. Some doctors may not check before because they believe it may up the chance for an infection, but people are divided on that. Some women experience bloody show and/or losing the mucus plug before labor, but then again some don't. Some women will lose it but never notice. Also, depending on which website you're looking at, the bloody show could mean labor is anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks away. Really, any symptom could mean anything. Everything is different to every woman and every pregnancy. It's really frustrating not being about to pin anything down, which is where I am currently in this whole labor mess, but I guess it teaches patience which will be invaluable when our LOs are here.

em4iowa · February 2015

What pp said. Just trust your body to do what it's supposed to do and relax or keep busy until it's time. There are no true signs of labor but consistent contractions. I really enjoyed Mayo Clinic's Guide to Pregnancy and found lots of helpful information there. If you don't want to spend money on the book this late in the game you can also go to their website which is also really useful.

boobooxo · February 2015

Thank you both for the great advice it is much appreciated.

cndupree15 · February 2015

All of what pp said. I was part of the 10% whose water actually did break. So my story is different. I was checked every appointment. I stayed 4 cm for about a month. I had a cervical sweep. Nothing happened. A week later is when I went in to labor. Unfortunately you are at the waiting game right now. Just knkw there is an end in sight.

Dannylion24 · February 2015

yoursincelery said:
I'm 39 wks 3 days, FTM, so I can only share what I've learned so far.

Only about 10% of women go into labor by spontaneous water breaking, so the chances of it happening before you even have contractions are slim. Everyone's water will break, either on their own or by the doctor doing it in the hospital, although some (very few) babies are born in caul, meaning in an in-tact amniotic sac. It's perfectly fine and kind of cool. Some doctors and midwives don't see a need for cervical checks until labor starts, and a lot of people will say that it doesn't matter if you are dilated/effaced much before labor. You could walk around as 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced for weeks before anything happened, and likewise you could do all your cervical ripening during active labor. Some doctors may not check before because they believe it may up the chance for an infection, but people are divided on that. Some women experience bloody show and/or losing the mucus plug before labor, but then again some don't. Some women will lose it but never notice. Also, depending on which website you're looking at, the bloody show could mean labor is anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks away. Really, any symptom could mean anything. Everything is different to every woman and every pregnancy. It's really frustrating not being about to pin anything down, which is where I am currently in this whole labor mess, but I guess it teaches patience which will be invaluable when our LOs are here.

Nothing more to add except my third was born 'under the veil' or in caul. Amniotic sac never broke. Dr had to break it open as she was coming out.

hawynne · February 2015

I lost my plug(s) over a course of about five weeks. You lose one and make a new one until your cervix can't hold it anymore. I don't think you're far enough along to warrant frequent cervical checks. Your could deliver between 38 and 42 weeks so 40 weeks is just an estimate. I know it's hard but try to be patient. Stay busy and get all your last minute stuff done because your life is going to be different when baby comes. Don't forget to slow down and love on your hunny and try to get good sleep. Baby will come when they're finished cooking!

mommaa1615 · February 2015

I had my baby Monday at 40 weeks 3 days & had no signs. I was induced bc of my bp numbers. No bloody discharge/contractions or any other signs they say to look for.

kmspousta · February 2015

I was induced at 41w 5d. I lost part of my plug and was 50% effaced 2 cm for 4 weeks. I even had Braxton hicks almost daily. I quickly learned baby will come on its own terms. It was so hard and discouraging those last weeks but my little man was worth it.

EDWHIP · February 2015

Everyone told me that it would be rare for my water to break and guess what? My water broke first. It was a slow trickle and contractions didn't even start for 12 hours. There are so many different scenarios. I agree with what PPs have said. Just trust your body will do the right thing and keep an open mind. I'm experiencing an entirely different pregnancy this time round and I still haven't a clue about when the baby will come. It's like a jack in the box! But if you feel nervous, I would definitely call and ask to be seen again. You are the mother and your rights should come first! Good luck!

NQueen11 · February 2015

I am a FTM and my baby was born on Monday at 38+5. I had lost the plug a few weeks earlier and had been having cramping on and off for about 5 days. A little bit of blood during the weekend but nothing major. Monday morning I woke up with more blood and some cramping but didn't think much of it since I had already been experiencing that. Went to the bathroom, came back to bed and laid down and felt a very very small gush (filled a panty liner). Didn't know what to think about that so I went downstairs to eat breakfast and while I ate I had what I thought might be contractions times at 4 1/2 minutes apart. I figured that was another false pain because I didn't think contractions were supposed to start that close together. Finished breakfast and stood up and felt another distinct gush this time a little bigger. Decided to be safe and go get checked at the hospital. Turns out my water broke, I was 5 cm dilated and yes contractions were less than 5 minutes apart! Had my daughter early that afternoon. It is so hard to tell when the pains are real or not and even now that I have gone through it I can't say that the cramps I had Monday felt any different than ones I had previously... Good luck I hope it all goes smoothly for you!

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