I was told that using my breast pump could help to induce labor. I started using it about twice a day since Monday. Right after I used it on Monday I noticed that my belly was really hard. Ever since, it seems that my belly is constantly contracting. Today I have not only had these contractions(?), but I also have had six bowel movements and my sides and back hurt. It also feels like my pelvic bones are separating really low in my crotch. I know that I am antsy to have this baby, but I don't want to feel stupid and be sent home. I went in at 33 1/2 weeks because of menstrual like cramps and low back pain. I was told that I was dilated 2 and 50% effaced. They also said that I had an irritable uterus and gave me a lortab and sent me home because I wasn't dialating any more. My last Dr. appointment was last Wed. and he said that the baby was moving down and that I was starting to dialate and soften up, but he didn't say how much. Do you think I should go to the Dr?
2006-11-01 12:35:43 · 20 answers · asked by ? 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I am 37 weeks today.
2006-11-01 12:38:58 · update #1
When in doubt, go. They would rather check u and be sure as opposed to have you go into labor alone or not have time to get there. They never made me feel stupid, and they saw me plenty! They will check to see if you are dialting and hook u up to a monitor to see how strong the contractions are, and if things are changing they will call your dr, and (hopefully!) you will meet your new baby soon...Best of Luck to both of you!
2006-11-01 12:40:43 · answer #1 · answered by Playful_Pandora 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main thing is for your contractions to be consistent and close together. You should be able to time when you tummy hardens and then losens again. You want to be about every five minutes before you go.
Another good way to speed thngs along is to have an orgasm- because that causes more uterine contractions. So have hub or yourself help you out.
Good luck.
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SAY YOU WILL KNOW.... For my THIRD child I wasn't even sure. I went to the hospital at 3:45- they broke my bag at 4:15- he was born at 5:07.
You don't always know. I had so many Braxton Hicks- that when the real thing came- I just kept fighting it. Not everyone has the numerous hours of screaming labor.
2006-11-01 12:39:59 · answer #2 · answered by Mommyk232 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was 2 cm dilated and 30 % effaced on a Wed. 3 days later, I was in FULL labor which I didn't expect and the doctor said would not happen. It's possible you are in labor. I was determined not to go to the hospital in false labor so I waited. When I finally got to the hospital I was 10 cm. I guess my point,..you never know..don't take a chance
2006-11-01 12:52:28 · answer #3 · answered by chilover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay.. I've had 3 kids.. all natural labor.. there was never any blood, my water only broke with my second child, the first and third, had to be broke at about 5 cm...it would never break on it's own..and my contractions were never regular.
For my middle child... the one that my water DID break...I actually had to have induced...with pitocin...because I never had a single contraction. I had a bad backache though... which I confused with just normal pregnancy discomfort.
Trust yourself... the hospital...nor the doctor...is doing you a favor...they are being paid for this service...it's your body..it's your baby... and don't get angry if they send you home !!!! It's perfectly natural.
2006-11-01 12:55:58 · answer #4 · answered by Sunset65 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should CALL your doctor and describe your symptoms. He or she has probably fielded dozens of calls from expectant mothers who aren't sure if they're in labor and they won't give it a second thought.
If you are in labor, your contractions will be regular and I'm guessing you'll "know". I got pain in my belly the weekend before I went into labor and was also wondering. Wow, it hurt, but it wasn't a contraction. You also could be experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions. Your doctor will be able to tell you properly what is likely going on.
2006-11-01 12:41:55 · answer #5 · answered by eli_star 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop using the breast pump. It will induce labor, but your baby will come when it's ready. Doing that is still falsely inducing labor before your baby may be ready. No, don't go to the hospital. When you're in labor you will know it, trust me. There will absolutely no question that it's the real thing. If you're asking, "Am I in labor?" then you're not yet. Good luck! Don't rush it. Relax, walk around, have sex. These things will help you relax and that will help your baby come sooner. They're very in tune to you. If your stressed and rushing why would they want to come out to join that?
2006-11-01 12:39:30 · answer #6 · answered by Jilli Bean 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are the contactions regular? I would go to be checked out if you are not sure. Why were you using the breast pump? did the doctor instruct you too? doing that can cause very strong contactions and is not recommended with out the advise of a Dr. and it really won't work unless your body is ready to go into labor.
2006-11-01 12:42:34 · answer #7 · answered by emtff8017 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pressure your feeling as if your pelvis is stretching & your getting crotch pains is normal... Chances are its the pressure of the baby head on the cervix causing that pain,.. and your cervix effacing ( getting thinner) It can be constant or come go ...Remember contractions without pain are braxton hics, labour- comes @ regular intervals & get closer together & stronger and all over as labor progresses. IF your still unsure talk to your doc
2006-11-01 12:52:59 · answer #8 · answered by bugz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you havent left already I would I didnt think i was in Labor but sure enough I was. I had appt on a Thursday & went into labor Friday I was dilated 4 & 5o%eface at appt ment & they told me it could take a while for me to soften more. Mine was back pain thought I slept wrong but that wasnt it at all so go to Hospital
Congrats
2006-11-01 12:49:19 · answer #9 · answered by hotty totty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are three major signs of real labor, number one :blood, after going to the bathroom, you notice blood, GO TO THE ER...number two: your water breaks, breaking of the water is a clear sign that the baby is moving down and is getting in the birthing position, the pressure of him/her moving down will make the bag of water break. Third, you are having contractions every 5 minutes and they last for a whole minute or more. Take notice if they are irregular, it is probably false labor.....one or all three signs might occur, either or they are red flags of when to go to the Hospital
2006-11-01 12:43:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋