contractions question...does this mean nothing is happenning?

Tonight I tried something different. I straddled the ottoman to the glider and rotated my hips in a circular motion (kind of mimicking a birthing ball). While I did this, I was getting very strong contractions every 4 - 5 minutes...sometimes even closer together. They radiated from my lower back to my front lower abdomen and made me feel like I had to push a bowel movement out or something. They were def really painful. I did this for abut 45 minutes and then decided to stand up and go pee.

Anyway, once I got up and peed, my contractions stopped again! I honestly thought this was going to be "it" If the contractions come every 4 minutes when I'm doing something, but then stop like that when I stop doing the activity, its not real labor, right?? Is it even doing anything??

Re: contractions question...does this mean nothing is happenning?

I don't mean to sound mean but you are not due for THREE more weeks. Your baby will come when it is ready. I 100% know how you are feeling as I have BTDT but just let nature take its course.

Re: contractions question...does this mean nothing is happenning?

Well, I do believe that your body is preparing and stuff is happening, but the rocket hasn't taken off just yet KWIM?
Continue being active this weekend and hopefully you'll see progress with Monday's internal. I'm not sure why you will be induced. If you posted why, I missed it.

In the meantime DTD or next best thing EPO to soften cervix a little. Even though this is not bringing you into labor (clearly it's just not time yet) it IS helping you so don't get discouraged!

Message edited 7/18/2009 8:00:05 AM.

Re: contractions question...does this mean nothing is happenning?

You're 3 weeks before your due date?? Don't make yourself go into labor now...it doesn't make sense. Although some women deliver at 37 weeks, sometimes the babies need extra assistance w/oxygen b/c the lungs are just a bit immature. I even read an article yesterday that stated the best weeks for a baby to be born (meaning least risk of anything) is 39/40.

It gets tough at the end. Believe me, i know. I am 39 weeks today and have been contracting on and off w/terrible backaches...I keep thinking "OMG is this it??" but I know it's not. Let nature take its course. Go out and enjoy time w/out baby. You'll have forever w/your little one and sleepless nights ahead so just enjoy the quiet time and good luck to you!!

Re: contractions question...does this mean nothing is happenning?

My DD on here is actually wrong (dont know why I never fixed it) but I'm due in 2 weeks, not 3.

The doctor is considering inducing on Monday due to my BP and swelling. I've had terrible swelling in both my hands and feet (and all up my legs) for weeks now which they told me was normal, but now the swelling never goes down -- not even after a full night's sleep. And its so tight that I cant walk anymore without being in pain or feeling tingling or numbness. My hands are so swollen that I cant form a fist or close them. Both hands and feet turn purple That, combined with my BP at 158/93 at the last appointment, the doctor said if my BP is high again on Monday we may be looking at induction.

I was really hoping to avoid an induction and go naturally, but it seems everytime I start contracting it stalls. But I guess that just means my body isnt ready yet.