Anyone else contracting A LOT!!???

[SaraAnn]

Hi, ladies. I have been having bouts of contractions for a few weeks, but now the "bouts" are lasting longer. For example, Thursday night I contracted from 6 - 9 p.m. every 10-15 minutes then after 9 p.m they stopped completely. I had just a few on Friday then this afternoon I had contractions again from 3:45 p until after 9 p.m. They started every 15 then went to 10, then 8 then back to every 10-20 before stopping. Some of them are more intense than others.

I know this means that my body must be getting closer, but I haven't lost the mucous plug or anything, but have felt very premenstrual and my lower back aches. Any words of wisdom?? As of my last appointment--last Monday--I was 2cm, 70-80% effaced and at station -1 to 0.

Thanks!
SaraAnn

[Kathy326]

Don't know much Sara, but it sounds like you are making definite progress, and I'd bet you are dialated further and even more effaced. Can you get a labor check at your OB's? I am going for my 40w on Tuesday, and I'm hoping to hear I made progress. I'm leaking out some of the mucus plug, had diarrhea, and my Braxton-Hicks are more frequent and intense. This is early labor and can last for hours or even several days, but at least it's a sign that things are happening.

Good luck and keep us posted!
Kathy
39w4d--taking it one day at a time
EDD 7/6/05
IT'S A BOY!

[playitagainsam]

I am contracting a lot, too. Last night every 3-4 minutes for an hour, and I have regular contractions every night from 8-ish to 12-ish (and irregular ones throughout the night and day). But I am really close to my due date, and I think my body is just trying to get organized...

Sounds like progress to me!
Jessica

[Jen73]

Hi Girls,
I dont feel a darned thing. Maybe I just dont know what the Braxtons really feel like. Maybe Im not doing anything yet...who knows! I have been "leaky" just a tad for a few weeks now. I had a sono last week and my fluids are fine. I have no idea what my body is doing, and its kinda scary. Im due July 8th-Just 4 more days!
At night, if Im walking around too much, or if Im grocery shopping, the only thing I feel is intense pressure. Its very uncomfortable when I stand up after sitting. Sometimes I think Im having braxtons, but I dont feel cramping , or tightening so much as just an "oogey" feeling and discomfort with my pressure, like Im going to blow!
Is anyone with me? Anyone have any stories to share? I was hoping someone will tell me that happened to them and they went into labor without all the activity that you all seem to be having.
Jen

[tg]

I felt nothing with my last pregnancy. I swear I could of ran a mile the day before the induced me I went a week overdue and we went to the hospital for the induction. They checked me and said wow your pretty much in labor- over 4 cm dialated, etc. I never felt a single contraction. They kept laughing at how I was perfect for birthing- of course the delivery was a nightmare. So yes something could be going on w/o you knowing it. This time I feel contractions- atleast I think and am miserable so I get scared that I won't know when I'm actually in labor.

good luck!

[Jen73]

Well, thats good to know...Or bad. I dont want to go a week overdue! I hope I feel something soon. I try jumping around in the pool , nothing seems to liven things up!
Well, thanks for the info. I will keep you posted.
Jen

[playitagainsam]

I had no BH contractions with dd #1 at all, and I was 3cm at 39w (induced at 39w3d). This time, like I've posted, I've had a ton! I'm now 39w5d, and am 4-5cm (4 at last midwife check, 4+ according to dh check). So, you don't need BH to make progress!

Good luck:
Jessica

[Jen73]

Thanks Jessica! Good to know. I have a dr appt tomorrow, so I really hope they say Im closer than what they said last week, which was ..nothing going on down there yet!
I just dont feel it. I will let you know what the dr says !
Thanks girls!
Jen

[playitagainsam]

One more thing--I really feel like the evening primrose oil I've been taking (orally, though some women use it as a suppository) has helped my cervix along nicely. I was closed like a vault at 36w, and completely soft and 50% effaced at 37w, then 70% at 38w and 39w. Now, of course, this is coming from a woman who is STILL PREGNANT, but it's not at all harmful to the baby, and if your practitioner doesn't mind, it's worth a shot. It has more natural prostoglandins than semen, even, and it's a hell of a lot easier to take these days!

Jessica

[SaraAnn]

Just a quick note about the contractions. First, I had my dr. appt today and I did progress to 3cm, but what I wanted to mention to you all is that my dr said that these contractions are more noticeable in 2nd time moms. And a lot of times, 2nd time moms don't have as many contractions, but when they do contract they are more intense or more efficient since the body has done this before. Isn't that amazing how our body remembers??

Good luck to all!

SaraAnn
edd 7/18