How to ease early labor contractions?

Question

I went to Triage because I was cramping alot and had brownish discharge. They hooked me up for 20 minutes. There finding were that even though my contractions were consistent (2-6 minutes apart) they were not strong enough to admit me. She did say my bags were bulging though. She claims I am still only 3cm and disagreed with what my doctor said and told me she though my cervix was still thick even though my doctor said I was over 50% effaced. She said the baby was also still high

So now i have to deal with these uncomfortable contractions. They said not too come back until I wouldnt speak through one. Has this happened to anyone? Did you go in for minor contractions and soon after the real thing happened?

I tried a shower, it really doesnt help

I really like the #$% who thinks she knows me. For one I took a lamaze class with my first child. Two I didnt have an epidural with her and I am sure as hell not having one this time so please don't think you know anything about me.

Answer 1

have sex
go on a walk.
read a book
surf the net.

distract yourself. it could be days.

My doctor said that having sex speeds things up, if not have fun trying!

Answer 2

I'm sorry you were treated so coldly at the hospital! Ususally they'll let you walk the halls and stuff for an hour to see if you get to a 4...sounds like a moody nurse on a bad day huh?? Well, as far as trying to ease the discomfort, all you can do is try to relax and do whatever makes you the most comfortable! Try not to tense up too much during your contractions, I know its easier said than done! If you have a birth ball (one of those big exercise balls) sit on that for a while, those things are awesome for speeding up labor! Try to empty your bladder every hour or so and change positions after every bathroom break! You can try a rice sock (heated, but not too hot) on your lower belly, that will help too. Try to labor in an upright position as much as you can, that will help baby come down more! You are well on your way if you were at a 3 with a bulging bag of waters! I'm hoping you're at the hospital now!!! Best of luck!!!

Answer 3

Paracetamol is safe but no more than 4gms in 24 hours. A warm bath and massage, 3 drops of lavender oil in 15 mls of a carrier oil such as grapeseed is good, lavender relaxes you but also helps with the pain, you can also put it in your bath. TENS if you have one. Also it's very important to eat little and often, your womb is a great big muscle and if you don't eat it will not have enough energy to do it's long job. Try putting on your favourite music and dancing a little, or going for a gentle walk somewhere really pretty. It is also important to keep your bladder empty, so go every 2-3 hours, even if you don't feel like it. You need to go back to hospital when your contractions are regular, not every 2-6 minutes as this is not really regular, but when they are about avery 5 mins, lasting 45 seconds or more, or if your waters go. Good luck

Answer 4

I go fast and so didn't my mom. She went to the hospital and they said she was only 2 cm and 50% effaced and wasn't ready so they were going to send her home. She sat in the waiting room refusing to leave and sure enough I came an hour later. Once your contractions get to 2 minutes apart (and don't go further apar) and start lasting longer you will be getting really close. If you wait until you can't talk through them then you are really getting way to close to be staying home. How close are you to the hospital, close I hope. With real labor the warm bath and laying on your left side tricks don't really work. All you can do is a lot of walking and position changes. Birthing balls really help with the pain.getting into a crawling position sometimes helps.

Answer 5

if you're still uncomfortable, call your dr during business hours. explain the situation. the dr may have you either come in for an exam or go to admittance in the ob ward.

meanwhile, try having your bf/husband/friend massage your back or stomache (whichever is hurting the most) during the contractions. if you warm some baby oil, that feels even better!

i know this is hard for me to say because i'm not sitting in your shoes right now but go gather up as many pillows and blankets you can find. pile 'em around you and get in the most comfy position you can and relax. do your deep breathing when you start to feel the contractions.

good luck and i hope you have your baby soon!!!!

Answer 6

Hi, When I was in labour what would help me what a nice warm shower... I just sat on the floor... I had a few when I was in labour also walking. In the hosiptal they used warm face washers on the sore area, or you can use a heat pack, my hospital just wouldnt let me use heat packs.

Answer 7

Lamaze, you should have taken the class. Labor gets more interesting, and more intense. Let me guess, you opted for the epidural. Nice long needle in the back, then a 15 minute wait before the pain killer is administered.

have fun