Third Baby, Dilated to 3 Cm Since Monday. Getting a Little Frustrated.

Take a warm bath and then try to get some rest. If you're able to relax a bit and get some sleep, you just might go into labor and have that little one sooner rather than later.

*hugs*

PS I was going to suggest a couple swallows of a dark ale or red wine to help relax. This is what my midwife suggested when I was three days past my due date and stressed out. A warm bath and a few swallows of dark ale. I did it at 7pm and was in labor by 4am.

I think the more stressed you are, the slower your body will be to go into labor. Relaaaaax and it will happen! (That's why so many of us go into labor at night, right?) Once it happens, it will happen really fast since this is baby #3!

Go put your feet up, drink a nice cup of cocoa, and read a good book. Then we can all read your SWH tomorrow, that you had your baby. :)

You get your mind off of it by telling yourself to stop and then consciously think about/do something else. We just cannot make delivery happen by wishing for it to be so. Pamper yourself just a bit, while you wait. And remind yourself over and over that this baby will be here when it's time.

Jennifer's response reminded me that my daughter's midwife also suggest having a glass of wine or beer to help relax. Baby is fully developed and so there is no concern for birth defects.

Don't worry, C.! Your baby will come as soon as he/she is ready!!! :) I know some people would disagree, but I think it would be awesome to have a Christmas baby! :) Good luck with the labor & delivery - I'll keep you in my thoughts!!

With my 3rd I was dilated to 3 for 4 weeks. I know it's prob. not what you want to hear LOL It would be great for your DH to be home but your other kids will have a mom in the hospital for Xmas.

What's the due date? I was dilated to 3 with my 1st at 34 weeks and delivered at 42 (induced). Dilated 3-4 cm with my second and third for at least a week each. Partially effaced and dilated with my twin pregnancy at 34 weeks, enough to warrant bed rest, then got off bed rest at 36 weeks and walked around for another week before a schedule induction at 37 weeks.

For me, things kicked into gear when the mucous plug started to fall out, then I knew that labor would really start in a few days. Just focus on finishing up your Christmas chores and one enjoying your two little ones for a few more days until the real chaos begins again. Best of luck to you - hope you have a nice, easy delivery!

MIGHT be a bit of TMI but masturbating helps! My gyn told me this...same situation It was my 3rd baby and I wanted him out lol...It worked!

Ugh I can relate! With my 8 mos old my labor was much like yours. I was 3cm dialated for over a week. I was having contractions like you described and once they started getting more frequent it was 4 days before actual labor started. It was so frustrating! I tried all the tricks, vacuuming, a bumpy car ride, sex, spicy food etc. I think the spicy food may have done it but it also could have been coincidence. I would not recommend nipple stimulation because it can actually cause an unsafe drop in the baby's heart rate, so they do not recommend that unless you are being supervised by a midwife or other healthcare professional.

I know it's frustrating, just try to relax. Maybe take a warm bath or shower, try to get some naps in (because you won't be able to nap much after baby comes lol). Make sure to stay hydrated. You may also want to try to take a little walk. Baby will be here before you know it. Good luck!!!

C.,

Hang in there! Have you tried the alternative methods to get labor going? Frequent sex, nipple stimulation, castor oil, walking, deep cleaning on hands and knees etc. I would do those things and see if you can get your labor going. I wish you a happy, healthy, safe delivery asap!

M

You can't guess how each labor will go by how the others were so I would just try to relax however you do that and wait patiently. It will happen.

When are you due?? I was dilated to 3cm for four weeks with both of my guys. Sorry to be Debbie Downer over here... Just relax, and enjoy the relative calm before you have three L. ones :-)

I feel for you. I was 3 weeks early with my first. So with my second I figured I would be early, esp since at 36 weeks I was 4 cm and 50% effaced. Nope, I stayed that way for 4 weeks, until I passed my due date. I got pretty cranky at that point, since it was the hottest July on record. My doctor induced me. My third just followed the second's lead, except I passed my due date and I was barely 2 cm. I finally got induced for that one too. To get your mind off of it, wrap presents, walk around (it will help speed things along if you stay active), go see a movie or do something with your other kids, since you won't be able to spend as much time with them when baby comes. Good luck.

Ugh :( I feel your pain...with my 2nd I was dilated to a 3-4 for 4 weeks. I thought I was going to go insane (maybe I did...that would explain a lot). Sex can help if you're body is ready anyway...so can an enema (although much less enjoyable). I always vow that I will be patient and stay busy and not go crazy towards the end of pregnancy...but it never works. I suppose for some people getting involved in a project, watching good movies, cleaning house, cookies, etc. can help!

A watched pot never boils!!!

Do cops in Texas, not have back-up brothers and sisters, partner cops? If you go in to the hospital to give birth, he needs to be there.