[hope71012]

How can I help get my contractions into a more normal, consistent pattern?

I've been having a handful an hour most of the day yesterday. The either went away while I slept or I just didn't feel them. I have also had them off and on during the last week.

We've been trying sex, walking, evening primrose oil (as suggested by midwife) to get things moving along and it seems to be doing some good.

I'm really lost because I was induced with my daughter. The contractions I'm feeling are comparable to the first contractions I felt after being hooked up to pitocin before they got regular. I was 4cm and mostly effaced when I arrived at the hospital.

I have always read its better to conserve energy during the early labor phase (0-3 cm), then wear yourself out walking, etc. I'm mixed on how to respond because part of me just wants to lock myself away in the bedroom, the other part wants to just go on with life and pretend they are not happening (you know keep my mind off of them). However, I noticed some of the contractions yesterday I just felt the urge to breath through them and a few others I just wanted to rock on my hands and knees or squat. Of course, the contractions are not close enough together nor consistent enough to really head in or call my midwife.

I also am in nesting mode. I just want to clean the house top to bottom. But again, if this is labor coming on I'm afraid to use up all of my strength.

[Mod-Lady Valkyrie]

One of the midwives I saw this pregnancy recommended raspberry leaf tea. I shall be drinking it when I hit around week 38 - I went overdue with my son and really don't want to again. Have you tried nipple stimulation?

[GranolaMama]

Honestly, as a mama who went to 41 weeks and 2 days, and tried every trick in the book for 4 weeks while having contractions on/off; Go rest! If this is real, it will progress in due time and you will need your strength later on. If not, then there is no point in exhausting yourself. I say this because I've seen too many women push themselves, trying to force labor to progress before their body was really ready, only to end up exhausted and dehydrated, and as a result, needing pitocin/pain meds to birth their baby. It will happen mama! When baby is ready, s/he WILL come out! Hang in there!

That being said, the RRLT and EPO can't hurt, and if you start getting desperate for time, you might benefit form chiropractic adjustment/acupressure (massage)/acupuncture.

[~~Que~~]

I totally agree 110% with Heather.

[hope71012]

Thanks

I am glad to hear "take it easy" and "rest up!" I know labor is just around the corner. I don't want to press myself too hard and end up exhausted. I really want my "ideal" birth!!