Week 38 - All My Bags Are Packed - I’m Ready To Go…
September 4, 2006
I know I’ve said before that I’m ready to be done being pregnant. I really mean it this time. My bag for the hospital is packed and in the car, along with the car seat and my brand new breast pump. My belly button has popped out, so I feel like my “turkey timer” has popped - the baby must be done cooking by now. The nursery is ready, the bassinette is set up in our bedroom, along with a changing station. All of the bath supplies are in a basket just waiting to be used - I’m not kidding you when I tell you I’m ready. Of course I’m definitely not looking forward to the pain that comes along with labor, but I can’t wait to meet the kid!
On the other hand, our friends Chris and Candi are getting married on the 23rd of September - 2 days after my due date. Zach is one of the groomsmen. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to go to the wedding if I have the baby early. If the baby stays in longer, then I can at least go and see them get married, and I’ve been looking forward to that. So, I want to have my cake and eat it too - I want to have the baby early so I can be done with this whole pregnancy thing, and I want to have the baby late so that I can celebrate with our friends… Either way, the countdown is on - the baby has up to one month to decide to come out on its own, or we’re going to have to cajole the baby out with some other method.
On a side note, I have been discussing contractions with mothers that I know. I noticed (a little belatedly) that everything I read described contractions as a tightening of your uterus, and sometimes metioned a “wave” feeling. As a new mother, I couldn’t really tell you what a tightening uterus feels like, and none of the books or websites have any better description. Even when you type “what does a contraction feel like” into google, you get all the same descriptions. So, for any mothers out there reading this, if you have any more detailed information about what a contraction feels like - something a little more specific than a “tightening uterus” that would be helpful!
I have given birth twice - 2nd time no drugs of any kind, and I think the nearest feeling to contractions is when you have gastro or food poisoning, and your tummy hurts rhythmically, in the time right before you tear off to the loo with the trots. Sorry, but there you have it. Early in labour they are like period pains, then as I describe them above and then as labour progresses, the contractions get bigger, and pretty jolly full on. But I kid you not, you can handle them - we are designed to do this, and we are not given what we cannot handle. I think if you are prepared to surrender as much as you can it helps.
Hi Joanna, thanks for the description - that is much more helpful than the information I’ve read online and in books so far! I definitely haven’t felt anything like that yet, but it sounds like I won’t be able to mistake it for anything else when they finally do arrive!
Sara - I agree with what Joanna said. I am about 35 weeks pg with my third! Contractions to me start out feeling like period cramps, all through belly, sides and back. Of course your belly gets nice and hard. Definately feels like a need to go to the bathroom, but without actually having to go. When you are in labor, don’t fight that feeling. Many women worry about actually going to the bathroom on the table, but it is nothing new for the dr’s/nurses. If you are pushing the right way, you will feel like you are trying to poop…end of story!
Not entirely pleasant, but its the truth! Also, you may notice, in the days before labor comes on, that you will need to go to the bathroom more than normal…and it may be loose. That is normal too…bodies way of cleaning out your system to make room for that baby to slide on out! Anyway, hope that helps! If you have any other questions or just want to talk, I am happy to help. I am in a group on American Baby.com for OCtober Moms….that’s where I got the link to your blog!
Hi Heather - congrats on your third! Thank you for the description - once again, a much less vauge explanation of what one might actually feel vs. “tightening uterus!” I was curious about americanbaby.com after you mentioned it, so I checked out the October Moms message board - also a very interesting read. It’s always fun and interesting to hear what other moms are experiencing (and nice to have someone to comiserate with when you’re not feeling you’re best…) Good luck to you and your growing family!
This is a little late to help you, but I found your blog on Google, so maybe other new moms will see it too. I’m almost 36 weeks right now, and I’ve started having Braxton Hicks contractions. These haven’t given me any pain at all. They just feel like my uterus has shrunk and turned into cement all at the same time. All of a sudden, the top of my belly is about 3 inches lower than it used to be, and everything is tight and hard. The wave feeling people have described might just be the feeling of the top of the uterus shrinking down a few inches from the muscle squeezing. Mine have been lasting for about a minute or so.
Can’t help ya much with describing labor contractions, as I haven’t experienced that yet.
Hi Meg, congrats on your baby (which I’m assuming you’ve probably had by now…) Thanks for the excellent description on Braxton Hicks - more details can only help (not me anymore, but hopefully other new mothers might get a chance to see it…)
I’m 37 weeks almost 38 I’m having menstral like cramps do you think there braxton hicks. I went to the doctor last week and of course the stopped by the time they hooked me up to the computer! How silly I felt!
Hi Michelle - congrats on your pregnancy! When I started feeling something like menstral cramps, I was starting contractions. The Braxton Hicks contractons didn’t feel like that - they just felt like my stomach muscles were really tight. The baby has wonderful timing, stopping when you get to the doctor’s office - but don’t worry, that’ll happen plenty more once you have the baby - you’ll bring him or her in to see their doctor, and when you get there, whatever you were worried about will suddenly disappear, or the baby will cooperate, and you’ll feel silly, but every doctor knows that is the way things happen. Good luck, and please keep us posted if you have a chance!
Hi I’m 38 weeks and I feel like this baby don’t wanna come out.I was induced with my first 2 cause i went over due but i feel a lot of pressure and pain down below more with this one which makes me think she may come on her own….but when? I can’t sleep anymore and I’m only having early signs of labor…nothing real…I feel like i cant go another day..do anyone feel this way..as for the uterus tightenings, to me it feels like period cramps….hope it helps!
Hi Amanda - congrats on your 3rd!! 38 weeks is a respectable length of time to be carrying that baby - I hope for your sake that she decides she’s ready to come out very soon! How much longer will your doctor wait before they induce you? Good luck!!
Hiya, im frm the uk and im 38 weeks pregnant, Amanda i understand what you’re going through lol! im feeling the exact same way i just want him to hurry up so i can see him! im really getting tired of the sleepless nights and huge bump! this is my first pregnancy and i heard that with first pregnancys the baby is always overdue and my due date is may 4th, does anyone have any ideas how i can try to bring on labour quicker? Much appreciated!
Good morning all,have been reading all your comments and felt compelled to add mine.Iam 37 weeks preganant and i tell you am ready for this baby to come out.My legs are the size of an elephants legs and whats more they hurt.I am in constant pain around my abdomen and my stomach constantly tightens.My back is always paining and i have been having period like pains for the past 3 weeks.my doctor says its nothing but i cant seem to bear the pain sometimes.
Am tired of people asking me when am due but its like i cant aviod them just like i cant avoid the pain am feeling.Wats more my verginal area is sore and i always feel like my vergina is dropping especially when am walking.Please somebody help me understand what is happening to me.This is my first pregnancy so i have no idea whats going on.The doctor does not give me enough information.
Thanx.
Hey I’m on my third pregnancy and I’m due 25 May and want this over with too. I have the same stuff going on, just not the period pains… those start for me when I’m in early labor. I just have the rest of the aches and pains right now. I hate when I wake up and can barely get out of bed because my whole body aches and my vaginal area just aches, my dr said it could be swollen veins that cause the pain. Well I wish you luck… and the best thing to do is just try and relax and practice breathing when you tighten up. The baby will come when the baby is ready… I just wish mine was ready now.
Hi, I’m 37 weeks pregnant tomorrow with my second baby and yesterday contractions started and lasted about 4 hours, increasing in pain until they were about 3 mins apart, but unfortunately i decided to lie down on the bed at home and the contractions stopped altogether!! I couldn’t believe it!! Does anybody know why this may have happened or what i can do to start it off again? I’ve known the baby was coming early for the past 11 days due to period cramps, running to the loo, back ache and vomitting! I feel so frustrated as i got myself ready for the trauma of labour in those four hours only to be dissapointed!Thanks! Claire
Hi All, I am 37 weeks pregnant with my first baby… i have gone through all the comments, and i think there is something wrong with me because i feel nothing at all… i have been blessed with a good pregnancy so far where i have not gained so much weight and there is no swelling any where in my body and i am moving around easily but i am worried that there is something wrong since i dont feel the tightening of my belly or any braxton hicks or prelabor contractions… is it possible not to experience anything until the day of the delivery?
Hi Melody, congratulations on your pregnancy! Don’t worry about your braxton hicks contractions - mine didn’t start until about week 40, and I’m pretty sure that even if you don’t ever feel them, you can still have a perfectly normal labor and delivery. I don’t know about your doctors, but mine were never concerned that I hadn’t felt and braxton hicks. Good luck, and please let us know how you and your baby are doing (when you’ve got some free time)
Hi All! Melody dont worry about not getting braxton hicks, im on my 3rd pregnancy but with my first two i didnt get any braxton hicks at all. Its a different story this time round,im 38 weeks and ive been getting them since about 30 weeks, twice i was convinced i had started labour, only a couple of days ago they woke me up and lasted around 5hrs, i was really pleased as i thought “this is it!” but then they stopped. Also dont think your gona have a hard labour if you dont get them, with my 2nd baby i didnt get any and i had really easy labour and birth and didnt need any pain killers. Good luck to all!
Hi, my name is Veronica and I am 37 weeks pg with my second…I’m due June 17th. I’m obsessed with when this baby will be coming. It seems like I’ve been having “prelabor” symptoms for two weeks now (cramping, backache, nausea, loose bowels - on and off, and a lot of pressure “down there”)…the only thing I haven’t had is the bloody show. My first son came two days late even though the doctor told me he’d be a month early…I like what was said in one comment, “the baby will come when the baby is ready,” –I guess if we’ve waited this long, what’s a few more excruciating weeks???!
Hi Sara, and others….
Just an update, the csection is tomorrow morning at 11:45 EST for me. So I will have a new little boy tomorrow afternoon sometime. We will then have to finally pick a name. I made it to 38 weeks! Better than the last one
Wish me luck!
Lee Anne
hi iam sara and iam 38 weeks pregnant, been having loose bowels for 2 weeks and for 5 days or so i have had backache. this morning i had period pain in my last pregnancy i did not get them untill 41 weeks, so maybe he is on his way. honesly i dont mind if he is not i want him to arrive when he is ready. i know it is hard waiting but it has to end some time and i look foward to that.
I am 37 weeks with numero 3 and I’ve been having mentrual like cramping for a week now. I keep hoping it is a sign she is coming…. but, alas, her I am still as pregnant as ever!
hi everyone! I’ll be 38 weeks pregnant on monday and the last 2 weeks now that ive been to the doctor I havent shown any progress (with being dilated) does this mean that my baby is going to come late? I’m due August 20th and this is my first child.
oh yea i almost forgot, i have been having menstrual like cramps, back aches and lots of pressure. My feet are swollen and im soo uncomfortable
Hi everyone…
I’ll be 39 weeks on Wednesday and I have been receiving Braxton Hicks since I was 6 months pregnant (give or take). People say that my son has dropped but I can’t honestly tell! I walk everyday around the neighborhood for about 20 minutes and I noticed recently that I feel pressure when I walk down and up a hill so maybe he will make his debut soon =) I haven’t even lost my Mucus Plug yet so hopefully he will arrive on time next week! Yipee! But back to the convo, I’m starting to have sleepless nights and bladder pains in the middle of the night when it’s time for me to tell myself to get up out of bed to go to the loo! Very uncomfortable until I release. But I am getting very mild period cramps. No loose bowels movements yet. Honestly, I think he is going to take his sweet ole time to come out into the world. I guess I’ll have to deal with it since it’s my first pregnancy! Oh yea, I had my cervix checked last Wednesday and it hurted like cramp. DO NOT LIKE AT ALL! I was bleeding afterwards. I didnt dilate any but my cervix was softening.
Good luck to you all and congrats on the new editions to your family!!!
Hi Tyffani - congrats on your baby! It does sound like he is going to come out when he’s good and ready, which does not always coincide with when we are ready to have them come out (unfortunately). That last week always seems like the longest, and then of course, if he decides that he doesn’t want to come out, it might take a little longer… But, relax and rest as much as you can - you’ll miss it when it’s gone! Good luck - and please let us know how everything turns out!!
Hi Amber - congrats on your baby! You’ve still got plenty of time to start dilating before the 20th. I don’t think I even started to dilate before my final week, and even then, it was only a centimeter or so before I actually went into labor. Xander was born exactly on time, so I don’t think you need to worry about your little one being late yet. Unfortunately, that uncomfortable feeling won’t go away until your little one is in your arms (and then you’ll get a whole new set of discomforts…) Just try to remember, the toughest part is almost over, and by the second month, you’ll hardly remember what all that discomfort felt like. Good luck, and please let us know how everything turns out!
Hi, Im 38 weeks and 3days pregnant and like most of you I am very ready for this baby to be born, not that Im rushing to be in labour because I can certainly wait to experience that again(my first one was 30 hours and ended with assisted forceps) pretty yuky experience really. But I have certainly had enough of being so big, finding it hard to walk(like the babies head is going to fall between my legs any moment and the Haemorrhoids are absoulutely so painful I would love bub to come today. Oh well good things take time so looks like I’ll sit back it my own self pity and be patient. lol - Good luck all
Michele
Hey everyone! Im 38 weeks 2 days pregnant… and Im experiencing some “rough” period like cramps too! Last night they started at like 11 pm lasted 1-2 minutes every 10 minutes or so up until 5 am..then they stopped….I want to wake up my boyfriend but id feel stupid if it was nothing… this is my first and it’s so frustrating…I was sure something was happening… but i guess not. Im anxious like all of you and can’t wait to have her in my arms…and everyone saying “you wont get any sleep when baby’s born..rest now..” in response to that- “Im not getting any sleep now….I figure at least when the baby’s here i can sleep more comfortably and when she sleeps…..And as far as the cramps were concerned…does this mean shes coming soon…I feel the pressure on my perineum.. and my upper thighs are cramping all the time… last week the doc and I were short for time so we didnt do an internal to check to see if i was dialated… Is it possible i am?
Hey ladies! I am now 37 weeks today. I have had loose stools for the past few days. I am exhausted, but can’t sleep too well. I saw my doctor yesterday, baby is still high and not dilating yet. I told him of how I have had more pressure in the pelvic area the last couple of days. I saw my chiropractor as well, he could not get my hips or lower part of my back to pop. He said that the baby is getting ready to descend. Today, I am cramping and feel very sick to my stomach. This is my first pregnancy. I am ready to meet my baby girl, but am willing to wait for her to be ready. This is great information. i am glad I found you ladies.
Hi all - I am 37 1/2 weeks along with my 3rd, and since 35 weeks have been having period-like cramps/backache/Braxton-Hicks type abdominal tightening/loose bowels. It comes and goes, sometimes for hours at a time, but never really getting much more intense or regular. My doc said that it’s “prelabor” which she prefers to call it instead of “false labor”, because she says even though it isn’t full labor it is still the body prepping itself and doing some of the work in advance. I like the idea of getting some of the work out of the way before the main event! I have been dilated to 1, and 50% effaced, for 2 weeks. Also, with my 2nd baby, I had prelabor for 10 days before the real thing, and my actual labor was very fast and manageable.
Michele(post from August 10) - I just want to tell you that your first labor sounds a lot like my first labor; I was so scared to go into labor the 2nd time, but it was completely different, much much easier and fast. And they do say each labor after the first gets easier. Good Luck!
Deanna
Well, I’m 37 weeks as of Saturday. Due Sept. 8th. I’m exhausted, feel really rundown and for the past 2 days or so have had loose stools (YUK I KNOW). I don’t really feel like eating, but do it anyhow because I can’t starve the child. I’m working only 4 hours a day so I can take a nap, but an hour doesn’t seem like enough. My hips hurt so bad (due to the extra weight and extra relaxin) at night and I have to get up to pee just about every hour to either change position for hips or to go pee. So, that’s why I think I’m so tired. I actually got to sleep a full 2 hours last night. Ok, well, I’m rambling, but just wanted to post. Have a great one!
Hello All,
I came across this site looking for Braxton Hicks contractions description. I am 32 weeks right now and I have the hardening of the belly feeling but I’ve always felt like its the baby kickboxing. Still confused as to what exactly I am experiencing. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to share their own experience.
I am due November 5th:)
Cheers
Deep
hi, i know this is months since the last post but i just had to write something….I’ve been having the weird crampy feeling on & off for few weeks, im 38 weeks tomorrow….could cry with the tirdness, sore hips & a reoccuring “polynidus absess” (collection of swollen infected hair foliculs at the base of the spine, the description actually makes it sound a lot nicer than it actually is)!
but like the rest of you I am so over this pregnancy, its my 1st but just really want it all to be over, to fit into some tight uncomfortable jeans & wear dangerously high shoes again……..
I’m 38 weeks normalli 110 pounds and 155 pounds now my first baby was 8 pounds I hope this one is more petite! Having all the same symptoms as you gals thank God I have a great husband!good luck ya all !
WELL I AM 40 WEEKS PREGNANT AND 2DAYS:( I AM SOO FRUSTRATED I AM 1/2 CENTIMETER DILATED AS OF 5 DAYS AGO. MY CONTRACTIONS HAVE BEEN 10 MIN APART TILL YESTERDAY THEN 5 MIN APART FOR OVER A HOUR TILL I WENT TO SLEEP. I CALLED THE MIDWIFE SECTION THEY TOLD ME “IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU CAN STILL WAIT” I WAS LIKE “WHAT”!!!WELL THIS MORNING MY STOMACH IS SOO TIGHT, IT FEELS LIKE I HAVE TO GO TO BATHROOM, BUT HAVE NOT GONE YET. I HAVE NOT LOST PLUG YET, I HAVE HAD SOME DRY BLOOD COME OUT.THE NURSE TOLD ME TO WAIT TILL THERE 3 MIN APART. AND STRONG. I AM ALWAYS WALKING. IT USUALLY STARTS THE CONTRACTIONS, I AM SOO TIRED, I AM READY FOR THEM TO INDUCE ME, THE BABY IS READY, JUST NOT MY CERVIX. I JUST AM WORRIED THE BABY IS EFFECTED BY THE TIGHTING. ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREAT THANKS..DESIREE
Hello ladies! I’m a first time mommy as well. I’m very glad to have found this site! Im 35 weeks and 3 days. The pains in my hips are ridiculous. Sleeping with all of the pillows I can does not help what so ever! I was told to start drinking Raspberry leaf tea. Has anyone heard if this helps with after the pregnancy (tightening of the cervix muscles?) I go for my next appointment on the 12th. Ive already preregistered at my hospital, turned in my forms for my disability, and Ive gone through my little mans stuff probably a good 100 times or so to make sure everything is there. My bags are packed and Ive already given my boyfriend and my mother a copy of my birth plan. Its getting worse for me day by day. There are so many things I want to do, but cannot. It get so hot and out of breath so fast! My little guy likes to be up between the hours of 9 and 3 and when Im able to actually fall asleep I cant even get up (hip and leg pains) to use the restroom. I have to wake up my boyfriend so he can pull me out of bed. Alot of the time, Im crying and urinating at the same time because of the hip pain! My doctor said its normal and that my little man is hanging out on my nerve and his head is pushing into my pelvic bone! OUCH! I myself cannot wait to see this new man of mine but at the same time Im actually scared as all hell (excuse the french) about the LABOR part.
Hi LisaMarie - congratulations!! It sounds like you are all ready for your little man to arrive. Hang in there - this part (the pain, discomfort and anticipation) is almost over! Just keep reminding yourself that it will all be worth it once the little guy arrives. Good luck!! And, please let us know how everything turns out!
Finaly i found some useful infromation! I just had a doctors apointment yesterday and had told him i was having menstral like cramps and looses stool and got no answer as to why this was happening! I was saposed to be due August 5th and it is now THE 7TH!I am getting extremely frustrated.My doctor had told me that my cervix was still high and i was not dilated at all! so0o i am not sure why i am having these menstral like cramps and these back pains with loose stool.Does any one have any answers? My doctor is always lacking the skill of going into detailed information with me.I feel lost and worried that somthing maybe wrong! He is waiting til August 19 to induce me and i thought that was a long time to wait..but i am not a doctor so..what do i know!? This is my first sucessful pregnancy iw as pregnant once before and had a miscariage due to Rh incompentancy. I would really be greatful if any one could maybe tell me whats happening. Thank you for your time
Hi Beth - congratulations on your pregnancy! You don’t have too much longer to wait. Have you been having Braxton Hicks contractions at all? The menstrual cramps could just be your uterus preparing for the birth. Most doctors will let you go up to 2 weeks past your due date before they induce, so if you were due on the 5th, Some doctors would wait until the 19th until trying to convince the baby to come out. You could certainly try some “tricks” to let the baby know it’s ok to come out - walking (some women swear by walking up and down stairs, or going on short hikes), and the old stand-by, sex. Other than that, I would suggest trying to stay as comfortable as possible, resting as much as possible, and taking care of that back. As always, if you feel like something is wrong, I always suggest calling your doctor’s office. Even if your doctor isn’t very good about going into detail, sometimes the nurses are willing to spend some more time and can be just as knowledgeable. Good luck - and please keep us posted!
Hi,Thank you for your help.It makes me feel at ease! It’s nice to have some one to answer your questions.You have helped me outa great deal.I think i will be able to sleep better at night knowing that my symptoms are just my body trying to prepare its self for labor.I know alot of people on here described the same symptons as me but i also noticed that every one else with these symptoms atleast are dilating or their cervix has ripend and I unfortunately am not dilating and my cervix is not ripend but then again maybe these cramps are comming on because my cervix are trying to thin out.Either way u have really helped me feel alot better about this.Thank you so much!
Oh about the braxton hicks.I had them only about 3 times through my whole pregnancy.The last time i had them was about 1 month ago but havn’t had any more since then.I just kinda thought that since i wasnt dilated and since my cervix werent thinning out that i shouldnt be getting those kinds of cramps because my bodies not showing any signs of being ready for this baby and thats what kinda threw me off about the whole thing.I still havn’t yet had any contractions…I am thinking that he is gonna be inducing me like he has planned.I feel like my body just doesnt know what to do!I am kind of worried though because i hear if your having problems dilating and your cervix arent thinning out then your labor is going to be difficult.I am hoping thats completely wrong.I want to make this the best experience as i can being that this will be my first baby.I dont want to come out of this whole thing never wanting to have another one.
I am just letting every one know that i still have no signs of labor and i am still not dilating! It is now 1 weekd and two days past my due date.I have decided to give caster oil a try.I have had friends sware that it works and at this point i am desperate to try any thing! so some time today i will be making a trip to the store to pick some up.I will let all of you know how that goes.I am hoping it makes things happen!
Hi Beth,
I know it’s hard, but your body will thank you if you try to rest and relax and remember that regardless of how easy or difficult your labor is, it won’t be too much longer before you’re holding that little bundle of joy in your arms, and a few hours after that, you’ll start to forget how long and hard the last few weeks were because you’ll see why it was all worth it. And I know it’s crazy, but you’ll miss those nights that you get to sleep on your own schedule, so try to enjoy those while they last!! Good luck, I’ll be interested to hear how your caster oil works