Comment from Vanderbilt Wife
Time: September 29, 2008, 4:15 pm

I have all those symptoms too except getting sick in the night…has she (and yes, way TMI) lost her mucus plug at all?

Interested to see what others say!

J

Comment from Amy Beth
Time: September 29, 2008, 4:17 pm

@Vanderbilt Wife – nope, not yet!

Comment from Lauren
Time: September 29, 2008, 4:21 pm

Uh, sorry…can’t help you here…

Comment from Tamara
Time: September 29, 2008, 4:28 pm

Haven’t been there, but when my sil was pregnant with triplets, being in a pool brought great relief to the achiness. If you can get to a pool, it might help!

Comment from Alicia
Time: September 29, 2008, 4:42 pm

Alright, you may not want to hear this however the truth must be told. Roomie can experience not only these discomforts, but actual labor pains included, for weeks before any action happens. Dilating can even begin up to 2 weeks before she goes into active labor. The mucus plug can be gone for a week before anything happens. There are no tell-tell signs of exactly when any of this will happen. I would suggest the pool idea, it does help. Walking is very good too. Also, to relax and take it easy and try try try not to be so focused on the calendar – it just makes it worse. The due date could be 2 weeks before the estimated or even 2 weeks after. Remind us, when is she due?

DO NOT GET INDUCED, ROOMIE!!!

Comment from Jenny
Time: September 29, 2008, 4:42 pm

Back aches-check
Couldn’t sleep but so very tired-check
Lots of pressure down below-check
I’d say she is pretty close!

I had aches in my back and was so tired but couldn’t sleep because I was so uncomfortable and then I was the crankiest person during the day-bless my poor family!

Praying for you and Roomie!

Comment from Robyn
Time: September 29, 2008, 4:55 pm

Nope – just really pregnant. It’s a bad bad feeling.

Comment from Andrea Rosenmeier
Time: September 29, 2008, 5:16 pm

Sounds to me like she’s just pregnant. It’s tons of fun.

Comment from Beth
Time: September 29, 2008, 5:28 pm

I was induced early, both times so I never had to go thru that “end of pregnancy” stuff…so I am no help!

Comment from Brittany
Time: September 29, 2008, 5:29 pm

There is a surefire solution. Give birth. Sorry but that’s about it. Bathtub did help some. Those last weeks are pretty rough though.

Comment from Shara
Time: September 29, 2008, 5:30 pm

It’s probably not anything, really. Sorry.

I know a lot of women who lost a pound or two the week before they went into labor. With my boys, I woke up during the night having contractions. With my daughter, I had just eaten a chicken fried steak. Not something I recommend!

I know two ladies who took castor oil and went into labor exactly 12 hours later. Who knows!?

Comment from Jennifer M.
Time: September 29, 2008, 6:03 pm

There is nothing wrong with being induced. I was induced with both of my girls and we all turned out fine… i’m a little OCD so knowing what day my kids would be born fit right in with my disorder!!

Has Roomie tried sleeping with a pillow between her knees. That would always help me with the hip and back aches. Sometimes I would put 2 pillows between my knees just to help open up my hips a little… I don’t know if that really did anything, but in my mind it did!

The night before I was induced with both girls I was sick! Probably just the nerves… knowing I would be delivering the next morning.

And pass this along to Roomie… I thought she looked FABULOUS at church yesterday and I’m so glad we got a chance to chat (with both of you!).

Call me if you need ANYTHING AT ALL!

Comment from Krista
Time: September 29, 2008, 6:13 pm

Well, I’m probably gonna say that it’s just the end of pregnancy stuff. Sleeping with lots of pillows (or even partially propped up) seemed to help me a bit. Also, the walking.
When I went into labor it started out feeling like menstrual cramps. Totally different from the Braxton – Hicks contractions in that I could actually feel them and they were slightly painful. It just went on from there.
If Roomie’s feeling up to it, don’t forget to eat on your way to the hospital. Once there they most likely won’t let her eat and if she has a long labor she might be hungry! That happened to me!

Comment from Bethany
Time: September 29, 2008, 6:45 pm

Sounds to me like the end of pregnancy, and could go on for weeks. Sorry.

Hips will hurt – it is actually a GOOD thing they are hurting – it means they are spreading to accomodate baby. Unfortunately, this doesn’t get better until baby arrives (and gets worse with each pregnancy).

Back will hurt – if you want some idea of the experience, wear a backback on your chest/belly with a 10lb bag of flour in it and never, EVER take it off – Roomie’s back is going to hurt for the next 18mo-2 years until Baby starts walking well on his own and Roomie doesn’t have to lug him around everywhere. =) Of course, after that it will hurt because she’ll be bending over to pick up after him…. nevermind, the backpain never ends. =)

Roomie may even have pre-labor contractions for weeks before delivery. I was well over 5 cm dilated with each of my full-term babies before I went into true labor.

As for right before labor started – everyone is different. I got a 72 hour head cold (weird, I know), I lost my appetite and it started to feel like one long, neverending menstrual cramp. Someone else mentioned the mucus plug – I lost mine over the course of two or three weeks so it isn’t much of an indicator.

I would *NOT* recommend castor oil. There is nothing worse than having contractions while sitting on the toilet with the runs (sorry if that is TMI) – especially if the contractions stop when the diarrhea does and you went through all of that for nothing.

I personally can’t stand hospitals so I didn’t go in until felt I absolutely had to – which meant I waited until nothing I tried (walking, showers, massage) eased the pain – with number 4 I just stayed home! =)

Comment from Kristen Schiffman
Time: September 29, 2008, 6:56 pm

Dear Roomie,

After reading all of these comments are you as terrified as I am? I am not even pregnant and now MY hips hurt.

; )

Comment from twinkle
Time: September 29, 2008, 7:43 pm

Oh Roomie! It will soon be over and you will have a precious lambkin to love! I know your bladder will be so happy. And try and get as much sleep now as you possibly can. Don’t be afraid. In the words of some mighty angels…”Fear NOT!”
I am so proud of you overcoming the fears and insecurities you must have felt before…and allowing this little baby the gift of LIFE! God’s Hand is on you, my friend. He will provide all you need according to His riches in glory! And He has you in the grip of His strong right hand. May God’s timing for this baby’s birth be perfect and without comparison. For HE has knit this baby together in your womb. He alone can give you the strength to endure. And this baby will bless you AND test you as you become the strong woman of faith God has called you to be. May God bless you and keep you and make His Face shine upon you.

Comment from Melissa
Time: September 29, 2008, 7:53 pm

Sounds like the last month of my pregnancies. That last month is so hard. You feel terrible and want to hold that baby in your arms so badly. I sat in a deep tub of warm water for long periods of time. (Not too hot though.) It took the pressure off my joints, so I just wanted to live there til the baby came.

Comment from mandy
Time: September 29, 2008, 8:45 pm

Yep. That can be the norm for several weeks. I was dilated to 2 for 3 weeks w/ my first. Her hips are loosening up to allow the baby to come through. None of it is anything to worry about. Once she loses her plug, she knows it’s close (days, not minutes). Some women have a large mucous plug, others pass it in their urine & don’t even know. Look for brown gunk..yeah..it’s gross.

My water broke w/ my first. I thought I peed. The nurse told me to smell it. =P…gross. Amniotic fluid smells sweet. Just so ya know.

Right before I went into labor, I thought I had to poop. The pressure is so intense on the rectum. Yikes. But that was a good position to be in. Gravity & all.

One thing to remember is: even if she says “I want you all up in my business during the labor. Talk to me. Video me. Sing to me.” That may all change once she realizes the level of pain she may have or the level of focus she may need. Don’t be offended or upset if she doesn’t need what she thought she’d need.

Can’t wait!!

Comment from Kelley
Time: September 29, 2008, 9:06 pm

I can’t contribute to this joyful conversation, but just wanted to say that I’m thinking of you!

Comment from Shanda
Time: September 29, 2008, 9:36 pm

I got that glorious spurt of energy right before my water broke.
Yep, I was cleaning the house, scrubbing cabinets.

And I was induced with both of my babies. They had to break my water with the first. Water broke with the second but no contractions.

I’m praying for you both!

Comment from Brandy T.
Time: September 29, 2008, 10:01 pm

I was not sick, but I have talked with several women who were sick from early labor straight through the delivery. One friend actually pushed her baby out mid-barf! (Don’t worry, she had been in labor for a while… it won’t happen unexpectedly.)

A pool or warm bath will help. A maternity massage will also do a world of good (just makes sure the person knows what they’re doing because the wrong kind of massage can send her into labor).

Comment from Kim
Time: September 29, 2008, 10:16 pm

Each delivery was so different
With my first baby it was the typical “nesting” I had a ton of energy and was on my feet the whole day
Then I laid down around 11pm and my water broke
My baby was 2 weeks early and he was ready to meet his mommy
Baby number 2 was late and had to be induced – he is still very laid back to this day – go figure – hehe
Let us know how she is doing…
Blessings
Kim

Comment from Kim
Time: September 29, 2008, 10:35 pm

she sounds pregnant to me my first was 8 days late and I felt ‘normal’, albeit really really ridiculously uncomfortable, up until I went into labor. My second was 5 days early and I felt normal then too, I was convinced I was going to be overdue again until my water broke that day! I’m convinced that there’s no way to know what’s about to happen (unless of course you get induced) I felt like the uncomfortable-ness just gave me more courage to go through labor, and more excitement to meet my babies! Oh, and more thankful to God for being healthy & comfortable when I’m not pregnant!

Comment from jessica
Time: September 30, 2008, 12:07 am

You don’t want to know…. it would make you (and the mama) more nervous! I’ll give you some details after the baby is here safe and sound : )

Comment from Cindy
Time: September 30, 2008, 12:19 am

Yup, pregnancy is just HARD at the end! Hate to say it, but the big D word is a good sign for it being the day or day before! So if she’s spending some time in the bathroom with the big D, that might be a good sign!

Comment from debbie d.
Time: September 30, 2008, 9:52 am

mucus plug huh? and hear I was thinking that a little Nasacort AQ & Zrytec D would clear that right up until I realized…it’s another kind of mucus plug you’re talking about…now the single chick in StL who is VERY COMMITTED to PNC for Starlight is just plugging her ears and humming until the next post…

Comment from debbie d.
Time: September 30, 2008, 9:53 am

and “hear” I was thinking??? sheesh…I AM overwhelmed by the mucus plug…back to humming…hmmmmmm….lalalalalalalalalala…..

Comment from Dawn
Time: September 30, 2008, 11:33 am

Yup pregnancy is fun! I was just plain achy towards the end – back, feet, hips, side, you name it. Of course, I am 5 ft tall & was carrying an 8lb 11oz baby who is now half as tall as me at age 1 (not even kidding).

I was pretty tired, but had trouble sleeping. The pillows helped, but let’s face it, you are still uncomfortable (sorry Roomie, that’s just how it is). So try as hard as you can to rest. Naps are a wonderful thing.

The night I went into labor, I didn’t feel good. I never actually got sick, but felt a little nauseous and tired. Didn’t think anything of it & went to bed early. Then woke up at 11 to find that my water broke. (TMI warning) I actually wasn’t even sure at first because it wasn’t a lot so I wondered if I peed myself (bladder control is a thing of the past at that point). Then within an hour I had what felt like menstrual cramps and when I started walking around, let’s just say there was NO DOUBT that my water broke. : )

Comment from Christine
Time: September 30, 2008, 2:15 pm

Sounds like the last month of pregnancy to me! And you are getting close…like you said a few days ago, this abby will come within the month! But those aren’t specifically about-to-deliver symptoms. Like the first comment said, it’s not time to start boiling water and tearing sheets (I kid!:) until the mucus plug comes. With both my girlies I had “warm-up” labor all night long about 18 hours before I went into “gametime” labor and actually delivered. But it’s getting close – how exciting!

Comment from Kelly @ Love Well
Time: October 2, 2008, 3:54 pm

Had to answer the labor question.

With my first, I was a week overdue. The doctors induced me because my grandfather was dying (in Kentucky) and my Mom was going to need to leave (us in California) to go to the funeral. And she really wanted to be with me for the birth of her first grandchild.

With my second, labor went so fast I barely remember it. I had contractions. Then pain. Pain. PAIN! And then he was here.

With Teyla, I had coffee before labor. (Induction again. But it was bliss.)