38 weeks pregnant and waiting

I am 38 weeks pregnant 2 days today. Since monday I have been having horrible irregular contractions, that happen in my stomach and back.  Yesterday I ws 2cm dialated, and 50% effaced, which dont really think too muhc of since i know that can change in a blink of an eye! WIth my daughter I had my membranes stripped and was in labor within 36 hours.  I had my membranes stripped yesterday because of all the pain i have been experiencing and contractions, false labor, whatever u wanna call it since monday(its now wed) He stripped my membranes and right when i stood up to wipe myself, i saw a huge glob of the plug. then this mornig at 6am i lost alot more, i have been having horrible cramping, horrible back pain and have had some diarrhea, accompanied with some more of that lovely mucus plug!!  I am just wondering if you think chances are it sounds like something will happen soon, or i am just going to have to suck it up and expereince these frequent contractions and back cramps for even longer!? I hear sometimes the stripping of membranes doesn't work, however it did work rather quickly with my daughter. I just feel so sick, i dont wanna eat, i just want it all to be over. Im so sore, its been a long past 3 days! im just scared it wont work, andthere is no real way of telling, but i guess ijust wanted your opinion,. thank you!!

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I wish I could see you, because there is a "look" about someone who is ready to go!
You certainly sound ready!  Membrane stripping is not 100% (nothing in pregnancy is 100%!) so, it might not work, but all that mucus and the cramping and diarrhea sound very hopeful!!!

Try all the usual things--walking, riding in a bumpy car, lots of sex!  If you can get your contractions to become regular, go on in and maybe your doctor will be kind enough to break your water and speed this up for you! ( I should really advise you to call first if that is your protocol).  I know with my patients, once they are term, if they are contracting regularly, I will help them out!

One way or another, I bet you'll be done soon!

All the best, and congratulations in advance!

Dr B