I am 38 weeks pregnant and getting anxious and impatient.?

Question

I have had a perfectly normal pregnancy so far. All tests have come out as they should, baby is about average size, and the doctor even said that I couldn't ask for a better pregnancy for a first time mother. As of last Tuesday, I was dilated 1 cm but I don't believe I have had any contractions. I guess my question is: Does labor just come on suddenly? Are there any indicators of upcoming labor, or will I just wake up one morning and suddenly start doubling over in pain. Or wake up in the middle of the night. I'd like to hear some stories of other women's labors. I'm just getting so impatient!

Pssst.....It's a girl

Ooooh and I almost forgot...my doctor also said he doesn't expect me to carry to my due date (9/13), I'm not exactly sure why he said this but he wasn't worried so I'm not, I also remember he said at yesterday's appt that my cervix is already "getting to work."

Answer 1

My experience was really neat. I was 9 days overdue and I really thought I was never going to go into labor on my own. And I always thought labor would hit like a ticking time bomb and !boom! all of a sudden you were in labor. But it wasn't like that...I woke up that morning with what I thought were gas pains. I tried to go back to sleep but they were strong enough to make me get out of be to try and use the bathroom, thinking I just needed to pas some gas and then I could go back to sleep. But that obviously didn't work. The "gas pains" were consistantly every five minutes so that's when I decided they were contractions. And they weren't even painful...yet. Even though they were every five minutes, on the dot, I wasn't in real labor. This went on all day and they gradually started getting stonger and stronger. Then you know it's the real thing.By the end of the day, I was finally in real labor. Even though you are in pain, it's so exciting cause you know your baby has decided she is ready to come. It's such a great experience. But I thought the same way as you, that it would "all of a sudden" come on with no warning but it usually doesn't happen that way. Especially if this is your first.

You might like to know that because I was nine days overdue and didn't want to be induced, I went to the health food store and bought some raspberry leaf suppliments. I took two with lunch and two with dinner and was in labor the next morning. Maybe it was just a coincidence but it might be worth a try.

Answer 2

I really believe this is natures way of getting us ready for having babies. When you get to 38 weeks you are so uncomfortable and so fed up of being pregnant that you stop worrying about the birth bit and just start being desperate to have your baby. Unfortunately there is no answer to your question as it is different for everyone. My first birth I got period like pains first then stronger pains over a period of time. My second one last week I didn't even know I was in labour and didn't get contractions until I was 6cm dilated. I would take what your doctor says with a pinch of salt he shouldn't tell you it is going to come early. You may still go over there is just no knowing. I would get your head around thinking you are not going to have the baby til you are at least 42 weeks then anything else is a bonus. Good luck

Answer 3

I started getting impatient when I was about 39 weeks pregnant because I too had a great pregnancy and even at 39 weeks was still out walking everyday and had a lot of energy. I actually went past due with my daughter by 10 days! I know you probably didn't want to hear that, but I do remember the last couple of days before I had her I started having mild contractions that felt like period cramps coming on. When I really felt like my contractions were strong my stomach was super tight and the pains were getting much worse. My hubby took me to the hospital and nine hours later we had a beautiful baby girl!! Good luck!

Answer 4

I got impatient at 38 weeks too, but it turned out I had a month to go.

Just when they were starting to ponder inducing, I went into labour one evening around dinner time. I wasn't sure for the first couple hours. I played on the computer until really late and then went to the hospital and had a baby by morning. At first the contractions are usually far apart and mild, so you will probably have some time to piddle around and call people and make plans before it gets really hairy.

Answer 5

38 Weeks Pregnant Anxiety

Answer 6

Hi there...it always gets hard near the end. Please remember that the AVERAGE length of pregnancy is 41 weeks and 1 day. Are you planning a homebirth? As far as labor coming on suddenly...it doesn't. I have had 2 babies...completely naturally...but very different births...one was 20 hours and one was 3. Even the short birth began gradually. You will KNOW when you are in labor. Your best bet is to get ALOT of rest, stay hydrated and do cool things like movies and bookstores...it's too hot to walk the baby out at the zoo! There are many natural ways to bring on labour but the truth is this: your body knows how to grow a baby and how to birth it. It know the perfect time for that baby to come. I would plan on 42 weeks and be excited if she comes earlier! Hope that helps...Blessings to you and your new family!

Answer 7

to be honest just sit back and relax, labor may never come. my doctor didnt expect me to make it to my due date, i was a week over due. they induced me the first day , nothing, the next day a few cramps, finally they just gave me a c- section. but labor never came for me. my baby was 9 lbs. 1oz. 22" tall, i did'nt get anymore than a light period cramp. I was just like you anxious and ready to go. i sure never thought i would be a week over due , and that induction wouldnt work.(by the way i was dialated to 4 for over a month) i used to be on hear asking questions on how to start labor, and when labor would come. just relax and get some sleep, your baby will be here before you know it, and one day after a week of no sleep you will say, i wish i was still pregnant:} dont get me wrong, you will love your baby, but you will miss your sleep. plus they grow extremely too fast. so take your time and be patient. i promise your baby will be here in no time, an this will all be a blur. congratulations.

Answer 8

It didn't come suddenly for me. I felt contractions for about 2 weeks, and then the real thing started happening. I started timing them at 1 or 2 in the afternoon. We went out to eat that night, still timing contractions. (I looked like a balloon!!) It wasn't until around midnight that they got really painful, and it wasn't until 3 a.m. that I went into transition and we headed to the hospital (we live really close to it). My son was born at 11:42 a.m.

Hang in there--I know it's hard to be patient. We were 2 weeks past the due date (I really, really didn't want to be induced).

Answer 9

Labor starts slow. You may notice these little contractions, and you may not. If your water breaks, of course you're going to notice that. When your contractions start to get stronger, you will probably feel uncomfortable and think it's just gas coming and going. Also, your bowels tend to empty themselves in preparation for labor (read: diarrhea). But no, it doesn't happen all of a sudden. Good luck and congratulations!

Answer 10

Labor comes on the same as a menstral cycle, you fell dull nagging pains at girst and if u pay attention you will know, just like you do in your cycle. Your baby may even be a little late, as a first baby... Good luck