Active Labor question?

Question

I'm 34/35 weeks pregnant and am going off of my anti-contraction pill at 36 weeks. We are kind of all expecting me to go into labor shortly after I am off these pills. My plan is to have an active labor at first where I do as much walking around and moving as possible to get things going. How likley will I really do this once I'm in labor. How many of you planned on doing this, but once contractions started, you just wanted to lie in bed. Also, when you get the epidural, you ar pretty much chained to the bed after that right? Do you usually have to have a cathedir (sp?) because you won't be as steady on your legs? I'm absolutely scared of the cathedir because a couple weeks ago (against my doctor's request) a nurse put one in me and put it in wrong and it hurt and I bled. I've been in labor before (at 30 weeks) so I know how the early stages of labor feel, but I'm not sure how I'll actually be when the contractions are more painful.

Answer 1

I gave birth naturally and I think your plan to walk around and continue having your freedom of movement during labor is a wonderful plan (that's what I did). This really helps to progress labor and move the baby down faster. I was walking around 30 minutes after giving birth and felt great the moment my son was born... with an epidural that doesn't happen.

I remember also being very worried that I wouldn't be able to handle the contractions the farther along I got into labor... but I was. They really aren't that bad. They are strong but they are tolerable if you relax into them, breathe naturally (no panting or "lamaze breathing" - doesn't work, isn't natural) and go with-the-flow. If you tense up it makes it worse. One great piece of advice my doula gave me was "loose jaw, loose vagina" :o) sounds funny but it's true. I made a lot of moaning sounds almost like the Om meditation sound when having a contraction. It kept me relaxed and prevented me from tensing up.

I could go on and on. Just remember... don't be afraid. Your body knows just what it's doing. Make sure you have a loving and supportive partner with you. I recommend you hire a doula if you can. They're great! And remember... every intervention you have the more likely things domino into a c-section.

A great book to check out is "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg, Erick Ingraham, and Robert A. Bradley

Here's a link. Have it over-nighted and read it. I read it when I was in the early stages of labor and it helped me A LOT.

http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594/ref=sr_1_1/102-4388011-8496161?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173487707&sr=8-1

My advice would be:

1. Stay home for as long as possible and labor there, where you're comfortable.

2. Stay hydrated.

3. Remember to go pee often during labor.

4. Stay upright as much as possible (but listen to your body, if you need to sit or rest... do so).

5. Don't invite a bunch of people into the delivery room. It's not a spectater sport. My Mom was disappointed that I didn't want her in there but I knew that I needed to focus and be uninhibited... and the more people there... the more tense you get and the more rushed you feel.

Best wishes!

Answer 2

I would recommend walking and breathing through contractions. I was induced and had 30 hr. labor it was hell but whenever I could use the restroom i made sure I walked around for at least 5 min. it actully helped relieve my pain. I had the epidural when I was 6-7 cm or something like that but after I got the epidural (i had problems and it didn't work properly) anyway after that I dialated very quickly within an hour and a half I was pushing and I only pushed for about 40 min. with plenty of breaks. the catheter did not bother me it was fine. My epidural only worked on the right side of my body and it was a little weird being able to walk with one leg and the other a little numb but it was fine and I got used to it right away. Good luck. The hard part of parenting begins after you give birth but it's so worth it.

Answer 3

Every one is different and every pregnancy is different. I've known people who walked around right up until it was time to deliver the baby. I however could not do that, it was so painful to walk and I just couldn't do it. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't do that. Then I got my epidural and of course I couldn't walk, but I felt much more peaceful and ready to deliver. When you are admitted make sure you talk about your fear of the catheter with the nurse whose taking care of you, not everyone has to have a catheter during labor, and if you do you probably won't feel it this time because you'll already be in pain from the labor or you'll have had your epidural if you want one, plus the next nurse will probably get it right. Good Luck and Congrats.

Answer 4

I just stopped my anti contraction meds on Sunday (Im 37 weeks niow) and still havent gone into labor. But really when you actually go into labor and have the painful contractions you will not want to walk around. I couldnt even move during that. Its pretty bad. I never did get an epidural because I didnt want to be stuck in the bed at all. When I was in active labor and got a cathedar because I couldnt walk to go to the bathroom, I never even felt it. So dont worry about that. Im sure during the epidural if you get one, they will do the cathedar after and you wont feel that either. Good luck!

Answer 5

It depends on your pain and how well you tolerate it.
I would ask them to please not put the catht. in until you have had the epidural (just be firm).
I refused to have my foley in when I was having baby #2.
As I had a straight cath with child #1 and it was dreadful. (I am a nurse so I now feel badly to all those caths I did).

Anyway you can't plan a labor and delivery because you have no idea what you are in for. You can't walk once you have an epidural - early labor is like bad cramping the rest is not fun. Pretty hard to walk around - you need to chill and scream or breathe.
Somehow we forget though (and get a happy ending)!
Good Luck.

Answer 6

I planned to walk around until the hard contractions started kicking in. That was before I had to be induced and how quickly I changed my mind. The epidural I got made the whole lower half of my body numb. I could not move my legs so getting up was pretty much out of the question until the stuff started wearing off.

Answer 7

I had the epidural and yes you sty in bed. Your doc may allow you to get up with help and sit in another chair or on a birthing ball. I did not have a cath, the nurses gave me a bed pan (a pain to use!!!!) Right after I delivered my son the doc did insert a cat to drain my bladder but he removed it a few seconds later. But if they insert the cath after the epidural you wont feel it anyway. Relax as much as you can. I know that is kind of silly to say, but take it easy and enjoy the experience.

Answer 8

well first of all no you won't have to have a catheter, they will just help you to the bathroom or get you a bedpan. haha it's kind of a funny feeling though, you're legs are totally numb. once you get an epidural, I think you can still get up if you need to, but it depends on your doctor. as for contractions, I get really bad cramps and walking helps, so I'm sure that it would help somewhat with contractions. Good Luck and Congrats!

Answer 9

lol dont wanna scare u anymore...but u prolly wont be able to walk around once the contractions get regular and painful...if u get the epidural u definatly wont be able to walk around....as for the cathedir thing wat a horrible 1st expirence but dont stress too much over it it would of been a 1 time thing with a stupid midwive! just pray u dontget the same 1 or if u do say u dont want herputting it in!! good luck!

Answer 10

quit haveing sex and you wont have to aorry about it