Poor Friends Labor

[jessilee82]

My friend is pregnant with her second child. She was due on the fourth. Her last baby was nearly 9lbs. So she went to her doctor and said "I'm miserable, my husband is going into the field soon, and my mother is coming. I'd like to have this baby." That was at 38 weeks. To 'help' her along, they stripped her membranes. She's been having contractions hard, every 10-12 minutes since. She hasn't been able to sleep or eat with any success for TWO WEEKS! She went in on the 4th because the doctor said 'Today is the day' but he sent her home and told her they'd 'talk' about breaking her water come this Friday. So basically 3 weeks waking every 10 minutes from sleep and not eating much. She exhausted. I'm furious for her. If they stripped her membranes, I think they should have been willing to finish the job. I think laboring for 3 weeks with minimal rest or food is torture! Maybe it's because I had quick labors. Do any mommies have stories about this kind of thing? Thoughts?

I had to ask someone who's had kids because my DH is basically like "it can't be that bad"

Oh she's dilated to 5cm

[KeelyKay]

Ugh. I have memories. I was supposed to be induced with DS on 11/22/06. I started having contractions a few days before, and I was already 1.5cm dialated and 80% effaced. Needless to say, I wasn't induced 11/22. I spent 3 weeks having contractions before my induction. It wasn't as bad as your friend's situation (they weren't unbearable, and they weren't completely regular -- I slept and ate as well as an 8+ month pregnant person could). I was finally induced 12/5. I feel for your friend. It's miserable. Hopefully she'll go into labor on her own and won't have to wait 2 more days for the Dr. to do something.

[Csara]

Oh gosh, that is terrible. I remember having the horrible, painful contractions after my membranes were stripped at 38 weeks. I was 2-3 cm and almost fully effaced and it really did nothing to progress me. I did lose my mucous plug and maaaaybe dilated a tiny bit more, but only suffered prodromal labor (which is what it sounds like your friend is enduring). Fortunately my OB was sympathetic and induced me at 39 wk 1 day. I was so miserable, I can't imagine going through that again (especially for 3 weeks!!!) That poor, poor lady.

[Deana]

OMG, your poor friend... I feel so bad for her b/c the frustration about the whole thing is more bothersome than the pain!! I had contractions on and off for about a week when I was pg w #1. But NOTHING like what your friend is going through!! I hope that baby decides to make it's debut very soon!!

[HeavenLeigh]

OMG, she has to be beyond miserable. I really hope she has the baby soon. My only suggestion would be to get her to eat more, I know it's hard to even think about food when you're in pain.....but maybe some little something that is packed with vitamins to give her energy. She'll need plenty of it when the baby does decide to come. Protien shakes, smoothies, power bars, or something. Love her heart. I feel for her.

[shan]

Your poor friend. That doctor needs shot. She should never have been let go this long. I hope the baby comes really fast. Have they been checking and making sure all these contractions aren't harming the baby? s for your friend!!

[jessilee82]

Of course the doctor is male. It's been my experience that gender matters. Don't think guys should get to be gyno's.

I imagine they've checked the baby but I don't know for sure.

I told DH I predict a c-section. Little sleep and food, I can't imagine she'll have the energy to push much. Especially if it's a big baby. The contractions make her sick when she does eat. She's in a no win situation. I keep praying I'll get a middle of the night call saying she's in labor and they're letting her deliver. I couldn't take it.

[jessilee82]

They started the pitocin this morning! She was planning on taking the epidural so hopefully she'll get some rest while her body finishes getting ready and she'll be able to push.

[jessilee82]

Last update! At 2:26pm Kansas time my friend welcomed her son into the world. He's 8lbs 9.9oz, 21.5 inches long, has red hair, and was named Alexander Gabriel. Mom is relieved and starving. Everyone is wonderful and happy!

[RedBedHead]

Great news. Glad everyone is doing well.