Contractions

I needed to be induced. I’m still 1 cm but my contractions were 2 min or less apart last night. Got them to give me an epidural because I couldn’t deal. Now I relaxed too much and gotta kick start it again 😩

@Aisha oh my. That's no fun. I hope I keep progressing but I guess with pregnancy you have to be flexible and adapt to the circumstance. I don't want am epidural but contractions are so painful idk if I'll make it 😔

I went into the labor bathtub that my hospital offered in some rooms! It was like night and DAY! It provided major relief from the contractions but unfortunately it did such a good job that it slowed them down too much. So I ended up just getting an epidural lol. But if you can get one of those, you could hop in and out to provide some mental, physical and emotional relief. That’s probably what I should have done rather than just stay in there for 3 hours thinking I could just cruise through labor 😂 lol

@Kaitlyn lmao good advice! My hospital has those! I'll have to keep that in mind

I like the bath but my hospital water didn’t get warm enough 😩 (If you can bring a water kettle in to warm the water, that could help). I probably would have stayed longer if the water was warmer.

I also put in lavender essential oil to help with the relaxation in the bath and smelled peppermint oil to help with the nausea

I, unfortunately, didn't make it in time to get the epidural I was planning on 🫠! Unmedicated birth by accident. My poor husband and nurse's hands 😅! Fortunately, she was born quickly. The instant relief people always talk about once baby is delivered is not an exaggeration at all! I had an emergency c-section with my first so this was completely outside of what I have known.

Hurray how exciting! I feel you on the pain. It’s relentless. I took panadol, had lots of showers, used a warm (not hot) heat pack on my lower abdomen, and breathed through them slowly. When the relief comes when each one stops, take a moment to celebrate your one contraction closer to meeting your baby! I’m also not anti-pain relief at all. I hear stories how a little pain relief means mum’s can have a nap, a snack, and regain some energy for later so they can be ready to push :)

@Aisha this was me my first baby. Induced contractions are much worse ! I thought I was going to die!!!! I hope your labor picks up again

@Grace this is exactly what happened to me yesterday!!! 3.5 hour labor, I got to the hospital and was 9 cm, my water immediately broke and I delivered 16 minutes after walking into the delivery room 😅 Congratulations to you!! Thank gosh we had quick experiences because that pain was unreal 😅🤣

Oh jeez! I’ve been trying to rest. My epidural is pretty low so I’m hoping to get them to turn it up. I also have my lavender essential oil, pedialyte freezer pops, and my doula will join me once we hit 6 cm.

@S I did not expect to be the woman who was screaming during labor, but here I am 😂! I know they say not to, but it somehow helped me get through contractions lol

@Grace that was absolutely me too haha after I was like yup.. probably traumatized all the other moms giving birth in the unit 🤣😅

I tried to go natural too. Don’t beat yourself up if you have to get an epidural. I was so happy I did because it made labor bearable. It still hurt but I can’t imagine how bad it would have sucked if I didn’t get it.

50% effaced is amazing, that’s huge progress! You got this!!

@Jessica I'm now 80% as of this morning but the hospital wouldn't take me because only 2 cm dilated. I've been in tears all day with these contractions. I really feel like I can't do it

@Patrice how are you going now? I hope all is well. You’re not a failure if you decide to utilise some pain relief.

@Ellen girl I thought inwas gonna die. LOL I had contractions for 30 hours, no sleep. Couldn't lay down or sit without being in excruciating pain. Went back to the hospital around 9 pm and got an epidural. I was SO happy I did. Had baby at 2 pm today. Only pushed for an hour. Very little pain. Those who go without epidural are truly bad ass. But I believe you have to do what's best for you and baby. For us it was the epidural b3cause I was incredibly stressed and in tears.