This week has been the pits. I’ll be honest, I’ve been having contractions all week. Rather consistently in fact. Stronger than Braxton Hicks contractions but not strong enough to be active labor. However, enough that I can’t sleep through them. So when you see these pictures and wonder why the hell I look like I’m about to die, it’s because I haven’t slept since Monday.
A few times during the day I’ll dose off because of sheer exhaustion but I’m running low on fuel.
I’m commanding him to come……,he’s already a rebellious little bugger though and won’t pay any attention to what his mama tells him.
I went to my appointment this week and I’ve dilated to 3 centimeters, 80% effaced and having contractions. You’d think that would mean something but it’s been dragging along for so many days now that I’m pretty much discouraged. I keep forgetting that he WILL actually come sometime soon and get into the mindset that it won’t ever happen. I honestly thought I’d be having this guy on Wednesday! I gained almost a pound and I consider that a bonus so at least that’s some good news. haha
So I’m terribly sorry about my lack of keeping up with everyone but I’ve been pretty much just trying to get rest so that eventually when I start real labor I won’t be completely unprepared physically. My midwife suggested I take benadryl before bed since it doesn’t affect labor coming or not and would allow me to sleep so that I can handle labor when it comes. However, like so many other drugs benadryl is listed as a ‘B’ on the pregnancy drug chart and I seriously don’t even use Tums, so I’m a little paranoid. We’ll see.
Now, I’ll leave you all to try the many tips and tricks other pregnant women all over the world have tried to accelerate labor from ‘early’ to ‘active’.
Question: Did any of you moms out there have long early labor that made it impossible to sleep or work? I need advice!
I can’t answer your question because I never felt a contraction until the day he was born, but I can tell you that when I was 3 cm dilated, he came within 4 days. IT WILL BE SOON GIRLIE!! Keep your head up!
It’s going to be soon! I can’t imagine how tired you must be. I commend you for blogging at all! It sounds like you are so close.
I’m 34.5 weeks and already am not sleeping. I’m exhausted and am willing my little guy to be reading to come at 37 weeks (only if he’s ready, of course). 2.5 weeks feels much more doable than 5.5! I will be pulling my hair out by the time I am 39+ weeks.
Hang in there. Soon you’ll have your little guy in your arms
I went to my appointment and was 3 centimeters, 2 days later I started having serious contractions, went in and was 5 cm and had my boy that night! I PROMISE he will come! The wait is so hard but just hang in there! Try to enjoy your last little bit of resting and quiet because once he’s out, there is no more of that!
I’ll keep checking daily for a baby pic!!
You are JUST LIKE ME, girl. And I’m so sorry it’s been miserable for you. I was 2cm on December 1, 2002 with Harrison (our first) and SO thrilled because we all thought I could go early. Maybe we had misjudged the due date. Even our sweet midwife was getting our hopes up thinking Christmas baby. Well, his due date was January 2 and he arrived HEALTHY and HAPPY at 5 days past: January 7, 2003. His birth was divine appointment, I believe. I know this waiting game is hard. This is my third time playing the game. Just rest in knowing God is in COMPLETE control and the timing will be PERFECT, though at the time you may not see it that way.
Love ya, friend! “Beat you to the birthing center” (ha ha. just kidding.) For your sake, I hope you go before me.
Also, use this time as practice for when baby-A comes into the world and wakes up many times during the night. This will soon be your new “normal” – though you won’t have the big belly and contractions to contend with. Sleep in SPURTS! You will adjust just fine. Keep practicing labor/delivery positions with each contraction.
See, there CAN be a silver lining.
Actually, this LOOOOONG early labor is a BLESSING in disguise, b/c you can practice so much for active labor and transition, delivery!!!
Okay, that’s all for now.
Belinda
LOVE your beautiful belly! Its been a long time but I remember those days!!
WOW! You look so amazing!!!! I can only hope to look half as good as you when I’m that far along!! Such a beautiful, perfect belly!!
I will say, I didn’t have an extended labor, but I did go ten days overdue and that STUNK. I pretty much felt like I’d be pregnant forever. Don’t worry, it’s going to happen. It’s a horrible waiting game, but it WILL happen. Just keep telling yourself that. You’re lucky if you go a week. Have you tried getting your mucus membranes swabbed? If not, talk to your doctor and just try. That kicked me into labor REAL quick. Also eat pineapple (some women have sweared on it) and take a long walk. It hurts, but it might induce full labor. Have some down time with the daddy too
Congratulations on your baby boy! I must’ve been hiding under a rock not to hear you were pregnant! That’s so exciting! He’s going to be so handsome!!!
oh my gosh, i can’t imagine the frustration! you are almost there! sending good vibes your way (and hopefully some to encourage your baby boy to get moving
hey, I’m a “lurker” if you know what I mean (I read often, but have never commented before). But I can totally relate to what you’ve been going through. My little girl is almost 10 months old and I’m grateful every day to have her, but being pregnant was no walk in the park. I had horrible heart burn just like you all through the pregnancy and started having seriously painful Braxton Hicks contractions at about month four. And the last two weeks were killer. Some things that helped me were tums and benadryl- don’t be paranoid, just do it! Trust me, babies are actually pretty tough little things and these will not affect your little man at all. Another thing that helped not only make me feel better but go into labor was to sit on an exercise ball and gently bounce. It seemed to massage my hip and butt bones and after spending an hour doing it I went into labor. Also, if you have a breast pump I would start using it a) to help you go into labor and b) to help get your milk all up and ready. I wish that I had done more in my last week to get my milk supply up because I never was able to provide enough milk for my little one.
Above all else, try to get some rest because labor really can be a marathon and you want to be physically and mentally well rested and strong. I recommend lots of meditation and naps now and meditation when you’re in labor- it helps DRASTICALLY with the pain. Good luck!
Oh and it’s so miraculous to have absolutely NO heartburn the minute after your baby is born!
So sorry you’re having such a hard time girl. Hope he comes soon!!
Eep. I wish I had advice on this but I don’t because I was induced.
Do know I’m praying for you to have a safe delivery, healthy baby, and as little pain as possible through this last stretch. You look wonderful and I’m happy for you.
Interesting suggestions from Alyssa. I’ve got a exercise ball if you need one. Just say the word and I’ll bring it over!
You poor thing!
Let’s hope he’s better behaved once he is born
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Well I was in labor with Penny for a few years. Just kidding. She is a dog, it only took a few months. Bad jokes. In all seriousness — I want mama [YOU] to get some rest.. because I have a feeling you won’t be getting any for a while!!
I’m sorry you’re having a hard time, but it’ll all be worth it in the end.
I love the second picture of you looking down at the belly. It’s adorable!
HOly cow you’re getting big! And I mean it in the highest form of compliment. Baby is definitely strong and healthy, and will be out any day now! I hope he won’t give you as much trouble when he is born, though!
I was having contractions beginning at 36 weeks. The only thing that made them better was to use a warm compress on my lower belly for short periods of time. However, I still remember that they weren’t comfortable to deal with. He’ll be out any day now. A nice long walk can always speed things along. What finally did it for me was a prostaglandin that was applied to my cervix to make it soften. Sorry, I know, TMI. Best of luck.
I just stumbped upon your blog through some other blog, and have been enjoying reading your older posts.
I hope you will soon have your son in your arms! I don’t have any children yet, but my sister is expecting a baby boy any day now, too.
Here’s hoping your labor has progressed and you’re feeling better today!
if i look like you when i am 39 weeks pregnant, i will be one happy camper. you look radiant and beautiful – although i can imagine you are more than ready to meet that new lil’ one. lots of love and good wishes (should you be giving labor right now
hearts!