What could be causing these cramps?

Did you have an internal exam today? That can cause cramps and also hun early labor can be mistaken for cramps! :))))

Nope.. sure didn't.. but, that sure does do it! Haha.. does early labor last for days? hehe? :o) I wish!

Bump for Dr Q! :o)

Did you know that even the braxton hicks contractions cause you to dilate? At least that's what my obgyn told me.

Hey Meghan...sorry yu are feeling crampy. On the up side, this is a new thing for you, right? Perhaps it is the start of something big, like say, Christian's arrival! Sending tons of labor dust!

Yep... but I'm not even having many braxton hicks. Just a random one or two here or there. :(

I'm really really starting to consider the castor oil, after doing some research on it. I'm feeling a lot of pressure from a lot of people to have the baby.... and that in addition to my own desire to get him out of there... everything I'm researching makes it sound like castor oil is not as dangerous as I had been led to believe.

Cant tell you if castor oil is a good idea or not. I think you should try to BD tonight and then go for a nice long walk tomorrow morning....maybe that will get things going.

The castor oil can make you sick that's all I know about it. I've had friends take it and get contractions but they never lasted and then they got sick from drinking it. If your doc thinks it's okay, then go for it. I think having sex and walking is gonna be more effective too though. But you know your body best hun!

Yeah.. the only thing I found that it can do negatively is just give ya the runs and not start labor. Apparently, if you are dilated and effaced, you have a greater chance of it working....

Sex isn't working.. and I can't get dh to do it more than once every 2-3 days anyways.. no matter how hard I try.. and I'm fitting in extra orgasms on my own (tmi, sorry..) I've done nipple stimulation.. which works.. but I can never do it longer than an hour before I can't stay focused... and the contractions stop as soon as I do. I've been walking every night, anywhere from 1/2 mile to 1 1/2 miles.. and its not working at all!!!! :o)

I dunno.. spicy stuff isn't working either. I just ate some really greasy pizza w/ chocolate milk, which usually upsets my stomach a little. maybe that will help?

You are way too funny :) He's gonna make his grand entrance when he's good and ready, unless you can get your doc to induce you. Have you talked about that with your doc? When was your last u/s? How big is he?

She says he's about 6 pounds. I had a u/s today but they weren't checking for that.

My dr won't do any induction until 40 weeks.

I'm planning on asking her about stripping the membranes on Monday at my next appointment.. hopefully she'll do that, b/c it will only work if the baby is ready to come out. But, apparently thats the deal with castor oil too.. only works if the baby is ready/body is ready for delivery...

I am just so sick of everyone reminding me that if he doesn't come out really quick, dh won't be able to be at home with us at all afterwards.. and dh really wants to, to the point that he was takling about trying to get my dr to induce me on Monday. (Which I know she won't do)

I hate how you're being pressured about something that is honestly beyond your control. I'm sorry for that hun. I know how important it is for your dh to be there and hopefully you can talk to your doc about that. Did you mention that to her today at your appt? Maybe if you agree to an amnio like I did, they will consider inducing you as long as his lungs are mature. You could ask about it.

No.. today I wasn't at my dr's office.. I was at the hospital for an NST.

I would totally do an amnio to find out if his lungs are mature... without a question. But, like dr Q told you, there is only a 5-10% chance that the lungs aren't developed at 37 weeks, right?

Its so frustrating.. we are definitely going to talk to my dr about how important it is to us for dh to be there on Monday.. and I'm hoping she'll be sympathetic about it. I don't know though.. I'm not getting my hopes up.

True but my doc said that I would have to have an amnio done because they can't sign off an induction unless they can prove to the ins. co that the baby will be okay to be delivered earlier then 39 weeks.

I would definitely do an amnio if she'd induce me! In a heartbeat!

How are you feeling today meghan? Still cramping?

Yup.. and last night.. long story.. I spent about 5 hours in the car on bumpy roads... and my lower back was killing me.. tons of cramping.. a few really good contractions but nothing regular... I thought for sure I was going to end up going into labor.. but nothing!

It's coming Meghan...don't worry! This weekend would be nice. I'm rooting for you! :)

Thanks Erin! I sure hope so! :o)

Oh meghan!!! I hope it comes quick for you. Because it's scaring my for my labor and delivery! I'm totally going to be late I just know it. Take care and contration dust to you!