Painful irregular contractions?

[Anonymous]

I'm 39 weeks along and had a failed induction on Monday. 3 rounds of Cytotec, 4 hours of Pitocin and nothing. No effacement or dilation. They sent me home from the hospital to try again next week. On Monday night I woke up with painful contractions. They lasted for about 3 or 4 hours and started about 12 minutes apart and gradually slowed down to 30 minutes apart. Since then I've had about 1 contraction an hour (and it's Wednesday, so this has been going on for almost 2 days!). They are really painful (worse than what I experienced on Pitocin in the hospital) and make my belly tight like "real" contractions. And they must be doing something because I lost my mucus plug yesterday (sorry TMI). So, I think they're "real" contractions, but they aren't getting any closer together. Has anyone else had this happen? How long did you have contractions before they turned into actual labor? They painful and wake me up during the night when I have them, so I'm not getting much sleep since they happen about once an hour. Also, the baby has been really, really active since this all started, which worries me a bit.

Thanks for any advice!

[Anonymous]

I did not have the same experience, but did have a similar experience where I was sure I was in labor -- painful contractions coming every 5 or 6 minutes. This went on for quite a while (started about midnight)and we went to the hospital (about 5 or 6 am). After monitoring me for several hours though they sent me home since the contractions eased up some after getting to the hospital. 24 hours later I was back at the hospital, this time for real. During the intervening day I had contractions on and off for the whole day, but they came back with a vengence at midnight. I know several people who made multiple trips to the hospital, so I don't think this is that uncommon. I'm sure you will be in full blown labor very soon.

If you are worried, go ahead and call your OB -- this is what they get paid for!

[Anonymous]

I hope that you end up going into labor on your own and don't try for another induction next Monday. However, if you decide to go that route please make sure you have done your research on Cytotec. I have heard and read BAD things about using that drug for inductions. I think Cervidil is supposed to be better (its at least approved for pregnant women...the FDA has issued this on Cytotec):

FDA ALERT – Risks of Use in Labor and Delivery

This Patient Information Sheet is for pregnant women who may receive misoprostol to soften their cervix or induce contractions to begin labor. Misoprostol is sometimes used to decrease blood loss after delivery of a baby. These uses are not approved by the FDA. No company has sent the FDA scientific proof that misoprostol is safe and effective for these uses.

There can be serious side effects, including a torn uterus (womb), when misoprostol is used for labor and delivery. A torn uterus may result in severe bleeding, having the uterus removed (hysterectomy), and death of the mother or baby. These side effects are more likely in women who have had previous uterine surgery, a previous Cesarean delivery (C-section), or several previous births.

[Anonymous]

OP, I haven't had personal experience with it but it sounds like you might be having prodromal labor (google the term). In which case, your body is slowly getting into labor and active labor should begin soon (hopefully!).

I also second the PP's comments about Cytotec. Do some research and talk to your doctor, there is probably no reason that you couldn't have cervidil if you need to have a cervical ripener for your induction.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

OP here --
Thanks for the advice. I saw my OB today and the baby is very low (-1 station) which is why the contractions have gotten so painful. I have low amniotic fluid (which is why they wanted to induce in the first place) and at my recheck today it was really low. So they've moved up my delivery to tomorrow and I'll talk with her about Cytotec vs. Cervadil. I guess I don't have to wait out the contractions for that much longer!

Thanks!