[joannaparra]

From my first pregnancy I went into labor 21/2 weeks before my due date.and now with this pregnancy I'm to tired and want everything to be over soon I don't sleep no more and my 2 year old keeps me going all day.I'm more scared with this pregnancy don't know why.do you guys think ill go early?a lot of people say its much faster with the second one but I'm not so sure now my twin sister just had her baby and she had contractions for 3 days.hopfully mine goes fast and not to to painfull caz my first was oh my god.

[DoulaLC]

Hi joanna,

There is no way to know for certain whether you will go early. A couple of weeks before your due date is perfectly normal, as is a couple of weeks after. While subsequent labors do often go a little faster, it is not guaranteed. For example, my fourth took longer than my third.

Once labor does start, you can sometimes help it along by listening to your body. Stay out of bed unless you are comfortable there or you need to be there. If available, sit in a rocking chair, use a birth ball, walk the hall, labor in the shower or tub, use different positions on the bed, etc.

Labor really is a process of movement and sometimes your changing position can help baby get into a better position and help the labor progress. It can also help to make you more comfortable as well.

The last several weeks of pregnancy can be hard, and add a toddler to take care of along with it makes it that much more of a challenge. Enlist the help of friends and family. If someone can take your two year old for the day now and then, go for it. Or have someone watch your toddler while you try to catch up on some sleep. Pamper yourself as much as you can. It won't be too much longer!