QuestionHi, I'm 36 weeks & 1 day pregnant today (1/11/07). I have 27 days till my due date. Six days ago at my Dr.'s appt I was told that I was 1cm dialated and that the baby is floating. Does this mean I can deliver early or is this normal. I can't wait to deliver because I am having a hard time dealing with the symptoms day by day. Its 12:30am and I cant go to sleep ever. My legs are always numb and achy, I have lower back problems due to an accident not long before the pregnancy and I have constant heartburn and gas(burping)I just wish I can tell if I'm going to deliver soon. This is my 1st. I have no idea what braxton hicks feels like but I occasionally feel a thumping type of movement that is seconds long one after the other after the other and at other times I think I feel the baby moving and then as if he's stuck above and hard as a rock. what are these feelings? I was told the thumping is hiccups can that really be? They are so many at every given time.
AnswerHi Mannal!
Aww you poor thing! The last few weeks of pregnancy can be brutal! It gets very uncomfortable ..I had 2 pregnancies that both went to 42 weeks ..and I just wanted to scream at the end ..lol
Your pregnancy will be considered to be full term, by the 37th week. So this is great news, because you are just a few days away. However, allthough its great news that your body is starting to change, and prepare for the upcoming labour, there is absolutely no indication as to when it can happen. Your baby floating, basically means that even though it is head down, it has not come down deep into your pelvis yet. But thats not a concern, and he/she will come down probably in the next week or so.
Keep in mind, that its not unusual for first time moms to be overdue with their first baby, even if their bodies are showing signs of change. So if this is your first baby, let hope that you labour sooner, then later. But dont be alarmed at all, if you do go over your due date, its not uncommon in the least.
In both my pregnancies, by week 37, I was 4cms dialated, and had even passed my mucous plug in both. Still, my babies just were not intrested in coming out, and I was induced for both by week 42. So as you can see, its a very hard call.
Braxton hicks, is your bodies way of having a practice run with contractions. Its usually painless, and each contraction lasts for about 40 seconds to minute on average. It feels like your whole belly tightens up, and it becomes rock hard. Braxton Hicks are sparadic as well. Real labour, that is active, contractions are about 2-3 minutes apart, and the pains become quite intense. The pain lasts anywhere between 45 second, and minute or so long.
The numbing of your legs, and the aches are all normal. The baby is cramped and applying pressure to spine, so this is why you are feeling numbess. So dont let it alarm you, its completely normal. The heartburn, and burping is completely normal. That little one is sitting right up against your stomache ..so there is simply no releif, until you that little one is born.
You will feel your baby moving right up till the last minute. Again, your going to have little feet up against your ribs, and its terrible uncomfortable. There is simply not much room for that little one to move. So squirming feelings, or rolling feelings are normal.
And yes, Hiccups are very common! Infact, the reason why this is happening, is because your baby is swallowing amniotic fluid. This is part of the natural process they do, in preparation to breath. But as a result, they do get hiccups. You will feel your tummy jolt, and the little thumps are about a second apart and can last for quite some time, until that little one settles down :) Again, its all normal and absolutely no reason for concern.
But unfortuently Mannal, I cant tell you exactly when you are going to labour, and deliver. It really depends on the individual, and her body. The fact that you are showing changes, is a good sign ..but it doesnt give any indication of when active labour will begin. You could labour, as early as week 37 or 38 ..or ..you could go to week 40, or 41.
Just know, that if do reach week 40, your doctor will set a target labour date. If you go over that date, its most likely that he will schedule a date for you to come in, to be induced to get the ball rolling :)
Its so overwhelming, especially when your a first time mom to be. But everything you talked about is completely normal. At this stage in the game, its a waiting game. But I really do hope, that you labour sooner, then later.
Should you have mild, to moderate, to severe cramping that lasts about a minute long, and comes about 2-3 minutes I would definatly head to the hospital for evaluation. However, keep in mind it has to be consistant over about a 2 hour span, to be considered active labour.
Should your water break at home, you should also be evaluated also. Your water could break, and you may not experience any cramping. Even still, its essential you head to the hospital for evaluation.
Also, at any given time now, you may pass your cervical plug(mucous plug). Some describe it as a bloody show, a light pink mucousy disharge. This is an indicator that your body is preparing, however often when ladies lose their plug they dont labour. Some will labour within 2 days after their plug removes itself, and others will wait 2-3 weeks. Again, it depends on the individual.
Keep in mind, that walking, can bring on labour, so it might be worth a shot! But I wouldnt try it till atleast week 37, where we can be sure that the babies lung development is mature. Also, some claim that nipple stimulation will bring on contractions. So its definately worth a shot, if labour doesnt begin.
So I am sorry I dont have a conclusive timeframe as to when your baby will come. But its impossible to know. But just have solice in knowing your in the home stretch now :)
I hope this has anwered your question, and should you have further concern, or questions, please dont hesitate to write back :)
Best of luck to you, with your upcomming addition!!!!
-Kristy
