Can anyone remember the first stages of labour?

[jewel]

Been offline for a couple of nights as hubby taken control of laptop (huff) and just spotted this thread.

How exciting, scary to think that the first of the babies due could arrive before the NY.

LB, i'm suffering with BH at the moment too and found this info on another site....

Most mothers agree that Braxton Hicks contractions can be one of the more uncomfortable aspects of pregnancy. Your doctor will offer many suggestions to make yourself more comfortable while experiencing them. Changing position should help to stop them, and lying on one side is better than lying on your back.

If you are walking when you experience Braxton Hicks contractions, try sitting down, and if you are resting, try getting up and walking. The distraction of physical activity sometimes masks Braxton Hicks contractions. Dehydration is considered to be one of the causes of Braxton Hicks contractions, so drinking a glass of water may help put your uterus to rest. Breathing techniques, a warm bath or shower, and emptying your bladder are all other things to try.

Of course, there are old wives' remedies that claim to alleviate or stop Braxton Hicks contractions. Since these are not medical remedies, a pregnant woman should always consult her doctor before using an herbal remedy. In the “old days,” pregnant women turned to a glass of wine, which inhibits uterine contractions, to help, but now alcohol in any amount is not recommended during pregnancy.

Interesting fact about the wine.....hhmmmm.... (just kidding!)

[jewel]

...found this info too which is interesting...


1. Braxton Hicks contractions should fade away if you get up and walk around. Real contractions intensify with mild exercise.

2. Test your contractions by taking a warm shower. If they're just Braxton Hicks contractions, the warm water will sooth and relax your uterine muscles, but real uterine contractions will become stronger and more frequent.

3. Dehydration can bring on symptoms of premature labor. Try drinking several glasses of water to see if your contractions go away. This remedy is usually sufficient to calm Braxton Hicks contractions, but real labor pains are not going to go away with hydration.

4. If your contractions are intensifying in strength, lasting for approximately 60 seconds and coming about 5 minutes apart, or a strong contraction cause your water to break it's definitely time to call your OB and get to the hospital, because you're about to have a baby.

Braxton Hicks contractions prepare your body for the real event, but hopefully you can now better distinguish between Braxton Hicks contractions and real labor pains.

[logans_mum]

Originally Posted by jewel

3. Dehydration can bring on symptoms of premature labor. Try drinking several glasses of water to see if your contractions go away. This remedy is usually sufficient to calm Braxton Hicks contractions, but real labor pains are not going to go away with hydration.

Yes I heard that dehydration can bring on Braxton Hicks and having a glass of water can help them go away. Also going to the toilet as soon as you need to is supposed to help too (as if you can do anything else when you're pregnant hehe!) xo

[mitzigollop]

Sorry i don't remember (didn't have braxton hicks),was so quick in the end, and the midwives didn't even think i was in labour, only believed that i was when they 'discovered' that i was 10cm dilated!

[ladybug]

Cheers girls

[ladybug]

Y'know I never mentioned it but I went to hospital on Monday... totally freaked out with sharp cramps and lower back pains. A pointless visit apparently! I do Braxton Hicks with spectacular style...

Want it to happen now....

[Ellie H]

Originally Posted by ladybug

Y'know I never mentioned it but I went to hospital on Monday... totally freaked out with sharp cramps and lower back pains. A pointless visit apparently! I do Braxton Hicks with spectacular style...

Want it to happen now....

You gotta keep baby bug warm for just a wee while longer yet!

xxxxxxxxx