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I cannot believe it. I have been contracting every 5 minutes for the last 24 hours. Up until about 3 am, the contractions were a breeze. Then they started to get a little more intense, so I called the on-call doc and he agreed that it sounded like I was in the beginning of active labor. So, we went to the hospital at 5:30 this morning only to discover that I am merely dilated to 1.5 cm. What a bummer. I didn't know whether to be pissed off or cry, so I chose pissed off.
We got home at about 8:30 this morning and somehow I managed to sleep for 2.5 hours through these contractions. They're not incredibly painful, but they are definitely more painful than the ones I'd experienced all day yesterday. My lower back, in particular, is pretty darn sore. I took a bath and have been leaning on a heating pad, both things seem to help.
So. I guess I have no concept of what kind of pain I am in for. This really freaks me out. I wouldn't say that I'm in immense pain, but it sounds like I have to be in immense pain for the hospital to admit me. Throughout this pregnancy, I've been wanting to have as natural a birth as possible but now I think I'm a weenie and will probably be begging for an epidural at 4 cm dilated. (At this point, my goal is to make it to 6 cm)
We have a doctor's appointment this afternoon, which I plan to keep unless things change. So far, I'm still contracting every 5 minutes. The contractions feel like a really quick, slightly painful build-up of gas in my back and abdomen. They last for a minute.
We were in the hospital at shift change, so I saw two doctors. One of them said he thought I'd be back in a few hours and the other suggested it could be a few days. Both of them (and the L&D nurses) were very supportive of our decision to come to the hospital this morning. I honestly have all the signs of Active Labor... except for that massive pain thing. And that's the biggie.
This labor thing sure is hard to figure out!
just keep walking- she is almost here! you are doing great. yay
Thanks for the update. You are in our thoughts. All the very best. You seem to have it right about just figuring what you want as far as epidural according to how things are going and how much pain you think you can endure. Good luck.
If you are having a drawn out early labor with a lot of back pain that little girl could be OP (looking at your belly instead of your back). Babies don't fit into the pelvis well that way so moms can get this painful, long early labor with a lot of back pain. Sometimes it helps to try hands and knees or leaning over chairs, counters, etc. Any forward-leaning position helps. If the baby can turn herself around it means a more effective labor. Good Luck!!!! Your friendly L&D Nurse
Good luck Anna! I've been checking back regularly to your site and I'm so excited for you that your baby girl is almost here! Try a hot bath or hot shower, and don't forget the pain does not go on forever. Once she's out, it stops. :-)
I'll be pushing for you too, and Jason keep up those back rubs unless Anna says hands-off, which she may very well say. she still loves you!!!!Remember , whatever happens in those moments is all part of the experience. The birth of beautiful little girl is almost here. Love, Aunt Debi
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Hang in there ... sounds like you'll be back to the hospital pretty soon ...
It is hard to figure out ... I tried to convince myself I wasn't in labor :)