what is it like going into labor-

S

Scarlett81

New member
I have problems right now.
Some of you know I have been very very sick with the flu-what I call a killer mutated evil flu....it took hold of me and has been shaking me for 10 days now and won't let up.
I'm on zithromax and now prednisone too. sigh. Today I feel a slight turn for the better actually, I'm sure b/c of the prednisone. So maybe things will look up soon but I hate to put that out in the universe and jinx things.
The worst part of this has been the emotional/mental impact. Being alone all day, I am on bedrest so thats hard too. The problem is even slightest exertion makes me very short of breath and we don't want my oxygen levels to go too low. The doc is sure that this is only the flu (albeit a severe case, but she's not that worried), and that I will bounce back fine. But this has really shook me to the core. My mind is wandering too much and I'm worried about, oh where do i start? The baby being ok with all these meds, me coughing the baby out b/c my coughs are so hard, (ok I'm slightly kidding there)-I told the doc that and she said its my ribs that are killing me-the baby is fine. I'm worried about this destroying my great-up-until-now lung function, and I'm REALLY worried about preterm labor. Today however my worrying is getting out of hand. Every little pain and tremor I think oh no, I'm going preterm......! My mom and grandma both told me that they never knew they were in labor. That they just started having back pain/back "tingles", and then that was it. I'm worried-what if I can't recognize it?
Maybe this is all hormones or crazy fears, or immaturity. But someone talk to me please.
 
S

Scarlett81

New member
I have problems right now.
Some of you know I have been very very sick with the flu-what I call a killer mutated evil flu....it took hold of me and has been shaking me for 10 days now and won't let up.
I'm on zithromax and now prednisone too. sigh. Today I feel a slight turn for the better actually, I'm sure b/c of the prednisone. So maybe things will look up soon but I hate to put that out in the universe and jinx things.
The worst part of this has been the emotional/mental impact. Being alone all day, I am on bedrest so thats hard too. The problem is even slightest exertion makes me very short of breath and we don't want my oxygen levels to go too low. The doc is sure that this is only the flu (albeit a severe case, but she's not that worried), and that I will bounce back fine. But this has really shook me to the core. My mind is wandering too much and I'm worried about, oh where do i start? The baby being ok with all these meds, me coughing the baby out b/c my coughs are so hard, (ok I'm slightly kidding there)-I told the doc that and she said its my ribs that are killing me-the baby is fine. I'm worried about this destroying my great-up-until-now lung function, and I'm REALLY worried about preterm labor. Today however my worrying is getting out of hand. Every little pain and tremor I think oh no, I'm going preterm......! My mom and grandma both told me that they never knew they were in labor. That they just started having back pain/back "tingles", and then that was it. I'm worried-what if I can't recognize it?
Maybe this is all hormones or crazy fears, or immaturity. But someone talk to me please.
 
S

Scarlett81

New member
I have problems right now.
Some of you know I have been very very sick with the flu-what I call a killer mutated evil flu....it took hold of me and has been shaking me for 10 days now and won't let up.
I'm on zithromax and now prednisone too. sigh. Today I feel a slight turn for the better actually, I'm sure b/c of the prednisone. So maybe things will look up soon but I hate to put that out in the universe and jinx things.
The worst part of this has been the emotional/mental impact. Being alone all day, I am on bedrest so thats hard too. The problem is even slightest exertion makes me very short of breath and we don't want my oxygen levels to go too low. The doc is sure that this is only the flu (albeit a severe case, but she's not that worried), and that I will bounce back fine. But this has really shook me to the core. My mind is wandering too much and I'm worried about, oh where do i start? The baby being ok with all these meds, me coughing the baby out b/c my coughs are so hard, (ok I'm slightly kidding there)-I told the doc that and she said its my ribs that are killing me-the baby is fine. I'm worried about this destroying my great-up-until-now lung function, and I'm REALLY worried about preterm labor. Today however my worrying is getting out of hand. Every little pain and tremor I think oh no, I'm going preterm......! My mom and grandma both told me that they never knew they were in labor. That they just started having back pain/back "tingles", and then that was it. I'm worried-what if I can't recognize it?
Maybe this is all hormones or crazy fears, or immaturity. But someone talk to me please.
 
M

MamatoAlexa

New member
My water broke so I knew I was in labor.
I am just gettiing over an awful cold/cough. Alexa got it, I got it, Dh got it. It was awful. The coughing was really painful. I am sending you tons of healthy vibes!
Take care of yourself and you are taking care of your baby.
(((HUGS)))
 
M

MamatoAlexa

New member
My water broke so I knew I was in labor.
I am just gettiing over an awful cold/cough. Alexa got it, I got it, Dh got it. It was awful. The coughing was really painful. I am sending you tons of healthy vibes!
Take care of yourself and you are taking care of your baby.
(((HUGS)))
 
M

MamatoAlexa

New member
My water broke so I knew I was in labor.
I am just gettiing over an awful cold/cough. Alexa got it, I got it, Dh got it. It was awful. The coughing was really painful. I am sending you tons of healthy vibes!
Take care of yourself and you are taking care of your baby.
(((HUGS)))
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
When I started going into labor I was really tired, flu like and felt like I was having really bad period cramps. This started about 1-2 weeks before DS was born. So I started timing the pains and realized I was in labor at 36 weeks.

I know what you mean about worrying. Prior to getting pregnant, I walked 4 miles every day -- outside or treadmill. As my pregnancy progressed, I stuck to the treadmill 'cuz of bathroom issues. Anyway, a few times when I was probably at 25 weeks, I'd start to feel pain in my lower back, lower tummy and I'd worry that OMIGOSH, I'm going into preterm labor. So I'd go get a huge glass of water and drink drink drink and would curl up on the couch and try to relax. All the time worrying that maybe I was having contractions. So I just cut down on the speed and time of my work out.

A few other times -- long meetings at work or too much time outdoors in the sun, I'd feel off. Achy, sick to my stomach and I'd think "omigosh, I broke my baby". Mainly the constant worrying caused me the most stress. That or when the doctor tells you to keep track of your baby's movement. He'd be flipping around constantly and then I'd realize that I'd forgotten to check or maybe he was sleeping after keeping me up all night and I'd PANIC -- did he move? When did he last move? Was that a movement? Man was I neurotic! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
When I started going into labor I was really tired, flu like and felt like I was having really bad period cramps. This started about 1-2 weeks before DS was born. So I started timing the pains and realized I was in labor at 36 weeks.

I know what you mean about worrying. Prior to getting pregnant, I walked 4 miles every day -- outside or treadmill. As my pregnancy progressed, I stuck to the treadmill 'cuz of bathroom issues. Anyway, a few times when I was probably at 25 weeks, I'd start to feel pain in my lower back, lower tummy and I'd worry that OMIGOSH, I'm going into preterm labor. So I'd go get a huge glass of water and drink drink drink and would curl up on the couch and try to relax. All the time worrying that maybe I was having contractions. So I just cut down on the speed and time of my work out.

A few other times -- long meetings at work or too much time outdoors in the sun, I'd feel off. Achy, sick to my stomach and I'd think "omigosh, I broke my baby". Mainly the constant worrying caused me the most stress. That or when the doctor tells you to keep track of your baby's movement. He'd be flipping around constantly and then I'd realize that I'd forgotten to check or maybe he was sleeping after keeping me up all night and I'd PANIC -- did he move? When did he last move? Was that a movement? Man was I neurotic! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
When I started going into labor I was really tired, flu like and felt like I was having really bad period cramps. This started about 1-2 weeks before DS was born. So I started timing the pains and realized I was in labor at 36 weeks.

I know what you mean about worrying. Prior to getting pregnant, I walked 4 miles every day -- outside or treadmill. As my pregnancy progressed, I stuck to the treadmill 'cuz of bathroom issues. Anyway, a few times when I was probably at 25 weeks, I'd start to feel pain in my lower back, lower tummy and I'd worry that OMIGOSH, I'm going into preterm labor. So I'd go get a huge glass of water and drink drink drink and would curl up on the couch and try to relax. All the time worrying that maybe I was having contractions. So I just cut down on the speed and time of my work out.

A few other times -- long meetings at work or too much time outdoors in the sun, I'd feel off. Achy, sick to my stomach and I'd think "omigosh, I broke my baby". Mainly the constant worrying caused me the most stress. That or when the doctor tells you to keep track of your baby's movement. He'd be flipping around constantly and then I'd realize that I'd forgotten to check or maybe he was sleeping after keeping me up all night and I'd PANIC -- did he move? When did he last move? Was that a movement? Man was I neurotic! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
J

julie

New member
Christian, if you are EVER in doubt, you NEED to go to labor and delivery, NOT the ER at this point in your pregnancy, and tell them you *think* you might be in labor and ask if they can hook you up to the TOCO and see if it picks up any contractions. Better safe than sorry I say. Better to find out it's nothing than find out too late tat maybe you could have stopped it.

I can't answer the coughing related questions of course, but any extra exhertion you put on your body, and coughing very hard is no exception, *can* cause the uterus to contract. This doens't necessairly mean you are "in labor", but for your own reassurance, I would check it out.
 
J

julie

New member
Christian, if you are EVER in doubt, you NEED to go to labor and delivery, NOT the ER at this point in your pregnancy, and tell them you *think* you might be in labor and ask if they can hook you up to the TOCO and see if it picks up any contractions. Better safe than sorry I say. Better to find out it's nothing than find out too late tat maybe you could have stopped it.

I can't answer the coughing related questions of course, but any extra exhertion you put on your body, and coughing very hard is no exception, *can* cause the uterus to contract. This doens't necessairly mean you are "in labor", but for your own reassurance, I would check it out.
 
J

julie

New member
Christian, if you are EVER in doubt, you NEED to go to labor and delivery, NOT the ER at this point in your pregnancy, and tell them you *think* you might be in labor and ask if they can hook you up to the TOCO and see if it picks up any contractions. Better safe than sorry I say. Better to find out it's nothing than find out too late tat maybe you could have stopped it.

I can't answer the coughing related questions of course, but any extra exhertion you put on your body, and coughing very hard is no exception, *can* cause the uterus to contract. This doens't necessairly mean you are "in labor", but for your own reassurance, I would check it out.
 
W

wanderlost

New member
Oh honey, try try try to relax. I went through the same fears. I got sick when I was about 18 weeks preganant, had to take augmentin - which I had an allergic reaction to and then had to take benadryl and after that a steroid to reduce the swelling (I looked like the swamp creature!). I was so afraid of everything. and I coughed more and harder during my pergnancies than I ever have in my life.

While I agree with Julie that if you really are that worried you might be in preterm labor, do get checked out - but, if you know that you are working yourself up into a frenzy, first try to calm youself. Everything will be fine. Your body was made to birth a healthy baby and it will! In fact, if you have some albuterol, take a puff, as that is basically the same stuff they use to stop PTL (terbutaline) just to make yourself like you are being proactive (obvioulsy don't overdo the albuterol!).

Also, and I might get hit with a flying tomato for saying this, but take a warm bath and drink a glass of wine. Once you calm your nerves you can assess exaclty what is going on in your body. I think your illness just has you really worried.

For me, labor started both times with what felt like period cramps - low down in my belly. My water then broke with both children.

When I was 32 weeks I have some contractions that were every three minutes or so, and I did go into L&D and they gave me terbutaline. Retrospectively I really think they were just harmless branxton hicks and I would have been fine, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

OK, so anyway: drink lots of water, lay on your left side, get your feet up, take a warm bath, have a glass of wime (one will not hurt, I promise), do some quiet prayer/meditation, do a kick count, talk to your baby, and trust in your body to keep this baby healthy and cooking and fine!
 
W

wanderlost

New member
Oh honey, try try try to relax. I went through the same fears. I got sick when I was about 18 weeks preganant, had to take augmentin - which I had an allergic reaction to and then had to take benadryl and after that a steroid to reduce the swelling (I looked like the swamp creature!). I was so afraid of everything. and I coughed more and harder during my pergnancies than I ever have in my life.

While I agree with Julie that if you really are that worried you might be in preterm labor, do get checked out - but, if you know that you are working yourself up into a frenzy, first try to calm youself. Everything will be fine. Your body was made to birth a healthy baby and it will! In fact, if you have some albuterol, take a puff, as that is basically the same stuff they use to stop PTL (terbutaline) just to make yourself like you are being proactive (obvioulsy don't overdo the albuterol!).

Also, and I might get hit with a flying tomato for saying this, but take a warm bath and drink a glass of wine. Once you calm your nerves you can assess exaclty what is going on in your body. I think your illness just has you really worried.

For me, labor started both times with what felt like period cramps - low down in my belly. My water then broke with both children.

When I was 32 weeks I have some contractions that were every three minutes or so, and I did go into L&D and they gave me terbutaline. Retrospectively I really think they were just harmless branxton hicks and I would have been fine, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

OK, so anyway: drink lots of water, lay on your left side, get your feet up, take a warm bath, have a glass of wime (one will not hurt, I promise), do some quiet prayer/meditation, do a kick count, talk to your baby, and trust in your body to keep this baby healthy and cooking and fine!
 
W

wanderlost

New member
Oh honey, try try try to relax. I went through the same fears. I got sick when I was about 18 weeks preganant, had to take augmentin - which I had an allergic reaction to and then had to take benadryl and after that a steroid to reduce the swelling (I looked like the swamp creature!). I was so afraid of everything. and I coughed more and harder during my pergnancies than I ever have in my life.

While I agree with Julie that if you really are that worried you might be in preterm labor, do get checked out - but, if you know that you are working yourself up into a frenzy, first try to calm youself. Everything will be fine. Your body was made to birth a healthy baby and it will! In fact, if you have some albuterol, take a puff, as that is basically the same stuff they use to stop PTL (terbutaline) just to make yourself like you are being proactive (obvioulsy don't overdo the albuterol!).

Also, and I might get hit with a flying tomato for saying this, but take a warm bath and drink a glass of wine. Once you calm your nerves you can assess exaclty what is going on in your body. I think your illness just has you really worried.

For me, labor started both times with what felt like period cramps - low down in my belly. My water then broke with both children.

When I was 32 weeks I have some contractions that were every three minutes or so, and I did go into L&D and they gave me terbutaline. Retrospectively I really think they were just harmless branxton hicks and I would have been fine, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

OK, so anyway: drink lots of water, lay on your left side, get your feet up, take a warm bath, have a glass of wime (one will not hurt, I promise), do some quiet prayer/meditation, do a kick count, talk to your baby, and trust in your body to keep this baby healthy and cooking and fine!
 
S

Scarlett81

New member
thanks wanderlost,
Funny, my sister (who is 40 and has 5 kids) told me to drink a little wine too, to calm down. I've heard from several older women (not that 40 is old!!!-just experienced women who know what they are talking about, I mean...) that they'd have a few sips of wine to calm down during pregnancy and that docs used to reccomend a little bit. So no, I WON"T crucify you, though I'm sure someone here will!!
I personally don't object to a teeny bit, like 1/4 cup, which is plenty to calm me down, but since I'm on so many meds right now I would'n't feel comfy with drinking a whole glass. But yes, I get your point and I agree. In Europe, women don't stop drinking a little wine with their meals during pregnancy, funny how its different here.

Question-how do you count your kicks? This child is kicking me non stop-I just tried to nap it woulnd't stop kicking, and I was actually getting a tad annoyed. So I know its healthy in there. But I was wondering what you meant by counting them?
 
S

Scarlett81

New member
thanks wanderlost,
Funny, my sister (who is 40 and has 5 kids) told me to drink a little wine too, to calm down. I've heard from several older women (not that 40 is old!!!-just experienced women who know what they are talking about, I mean...) that they'd have a few sips of wine to calm down during pregnancy and that docs used to reccomend a little bit. So no, I WON"T crucify you, though I'm sure someone here will!!
I personally don't object to a teeny bit, like 1/4 cup, which is plenty to calm me down, but since I'm on so many meds right now I would'n't feel comfy with drinking a whole glass. But yes, I get your point and I agree. In Europe, women don't stop drinking a little wine with their meals during pregnancy, funny how its different here.

Question-how do you count your kicks? This child is kicking me non stop-I just tried to nap it woulnd't stop kicking, and I was actually getting a tad annoyed. So I know its healthy in there. But I was wondering what you meant by counting them?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top