I *think* I might be in labor!

[picksthemusic]

Good luck! Eat some more - you never know how long you have ahead of you, and you need your strength. Keep us posted!

[MrsDarcy]

Yeah, I would eat continuously until your contractions become "impressive," that way you have lots of strength!

[katinthehat]

One positive about this going on for a while so far is maybe you'll have a shift change and get rid of the doctor you don't like and that mean nurse. Not impressive, pshaw!

This is so exciting!

[formerlyak]

They tell you not to eat because a lot of people throw up when in transition and that's the last thing you want to be doing is throwing up a big meal at that point. My hospital just told me in early labor to "eat something that would be easy coming up if I threw up." I went with jello, broth, eggs, things like that. I never got to the transition point in labor, but when they started giving me meds to stop the contractions so they could do the c-section, I did throw up once (and I am one of those people who never throws up so that totally caught me off guard). I was very glad I didn't have a full heavy meal in me.

Good luck! You are almost there!

[chicago]

No progress. H and I were exhausted when we got home so we had lunch and then took a nap for a few hours. I'm tracking the contractions again- they are longer and more intense (I WILL be the woman who swears through labor), but they vary in frequency. The last one was 10mins ago, so it almost seems like I'm regressing.

Ugh ugh ugh.

[chicago]

bricco, that part does make me happy considering there was talk about them not letting me go to my due date and inducing me. I just hope I can progress on my own and that I'll get to push!

[julez]

Ok, first of all... eat! You may well vomit during labor, but if you vomit, you will do it whether you have eaten or not. If you do wind up with a csection, and there is no reason to think you will, they will give you something prior to the procedure to neutralize your stomach acid should you vomit. The risk from eating is so low, and you need your energy. If you get to the hospital and they say only clear liquids, try Gatorade, honey, or emergen-c. They may or may not be ok with these, but all are easy to digest and will keep your energy up.

If your contractions are spacing out, try nipple stimulation. You can roll your nipples between your fingers or let the shower flow on them. This will trigger your body's oxytocin and help regulate contractions.

If you need rest, try hopping in the tub. Sometimes labor picks up in the tub! But most of the time things will slow initially and you can get some rest.

Be sure to get out of the tub every hour and use the bathroom. Whether you are in the water or not, be sure to pee every hour. An empty bladder allows the uterus to contract more efficiently.

Good luck, mama!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using proboards

[chicago]

Thank you, Julez! I'm starting to get so discouraged. I feel like a wimp because I want to go in and get the epi right now. This is already the worst pain I've ever experienced.

I am eating. I have to. I already feel exhausted. I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to do this. I want to give up already.

[bowies]

You can do this! Try to take another nap if you can.

I'm a person who swears if it's a day that ends in Y so, fuck yeah, give those contractions hell!

[robinsbff]

just catching up now but hope that things keep progressing for you and that the next time i read an update it's about your new LO!

[julez]

Mar 10, 2014 20:27:53 GMT -5 chicago said:

Thank you, Julez! I'm starting to get so discouraged. I feel like a wimp because I want to go in and get the epi right now. This is already the worst pain I've ever experienced.

I am eating. I have to. I already feel exhausted. I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to do this. I want to give up already.

First of all, you CAN do this and you ARE doing this.  You're making progress right now.  You're doing it! I know that it's easier said than done, but please don't let yourself get discouraged.  Do your best to breathe deeply, relax your shoulders and neck, and breathe through the contractions.  Low, gutteral sounds with an open mouth actually help open the cervix and relax your body. 

Are you able to get into the tub?  That can be very, very relaxing and help you tolerate contractions.

Eat, eat, eat... or at least  drink if you're not up for eating.  Juice, gatorade, water.  You want at least 12 oz per hour, especially if you're in the water. 

You're doing this, mama, and you're doing great! 

Every single contraction you have brings you closer to meeting your baby.  And every contraction you have is GONE, done, and over forever.  You never have to have it again.

You're strong and you are rocking this! 

[chicago]

Seriously, all of you are good coaches! I took a shower - heavenly. I think we are going to go back to the hospital. I really want something for the pain. I'm afraid I haven't made progress, but the contractions are bringing me to tears and are hard to breathe and talk through.

[speckledfrog]

Mar 10, 2014 21:30:51 GMT -5 chicago said:

Seriously, all of you are good coaches! I took a shower - heavenly. I think we are going to go back to the hospital. I really want something for the pain. I'm afraid I haven't made progress, but the contractions are bringing me to tears and are hard to breathe and talk through.

Yay!  GL!!!   

[catsarecute]

You got this!!!!!

[mrspost08]

Come on little baby hurry it up, so we can see you!!!!

[mannah]

You can do it!!!!

[julez]

Mar 10, 2014 21:30:51 GMT -5 chicago said:

Seriously, all of you are good coaches! I took a shower - heavenly. I think we are going to go back to the hospital. I really want something for the pain. I'm afraid I haven't made progress, but the contractions are bringing me to tears and are hard to breathe and talk through.

The hard to breathe and talk through contractions are the best kind. I'll bet you will be pleasantly surprised when you get to the hospital. Good luck, mama!

Loco Coco, I'm all yours- especially if you live somewhere warm.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using proboards

[bananapancakes]

Any update, chicago? Hope it is all going/went well for you!

[katinthehat]

Mar 10, 2014 21:30:51 GMT -5 chicago said:

Seriously, all of you are good coaches! I took a shower - heavenly. I think we are going to go back to the hospital. I really want something for the pain. I'm afraid I haven't made progress, but the contractions are bringing me to tears and are hard to breathe and talk through.

If you took a shower and it kept you relaxed (which it sounds like it did) and you still are having contractions that intense, this is the real deal!

[theatre4life]

I hope all is going well for you!! **hugs**

[amaristella]

I hope by now the OP is snuggling a sweet little baby. I am, however, angry for OP that she was given advice to basically not eat while in early labor and not even checked into the hospital yet. That is utter bullshit. Yes, some women do become violently ill during labor but if you are one of those people it will not take much to figure it out. Being in labor burns the same type of calories as running a marathon and laboring women NEED sustenance in order to make it through. IV fluids are great if you can't keep anything down but are otherwise not at all sufficient for what you are going through. If you can keep food down then eat a nice balance of quality protein and complex carbohydrates for long term energy.

[shekels1222]

You've got this! Good luck and keep updating!