Am I in labor?

Question

I'm 37 weeks pregnant & I wonder if I'm in labor. I have pain in my lower back that comes & goes. It sometimes lasts for a few minutes at a time. I'm also having some contractions + nausea + pelvic pressure. The baby doesn't seem to be moving around much right now either, but I'm not sure if that's even relevant.

I guess I need to add a few details. I'm having a home labor/waterbirth, so the hospital is not an option. And, my midwife is out of town currently + it's 10:20PM & I'm not in intense pain. I'm mostly trying to figure out if this is early labor or false labor.

Also, the baby has been moving fine all day & is moving now, just seems to not move when I feel contractions.

Answer 1

i had tons of false alarms!time the contractions if they start to get closer together then you might be but if they come and go with no change it could be a false alarm.i didn't have nausea when i was in labor but every ones different.i didn't think i was in labor with my first one when the time came because i had so many false alarms.but the pain got so bad that i was starting to cry then i knew it was for real.i cant really say to wait for your water to break because with both of my pregnancy's my water never broke the Dr had to do it.but time the contractions and see if the pain worsens.hope i could help

Answer 2

Hang on there don't just go in make sure that your contractions are steady like 3 or 5 minutes apart or whatever because some hospitals will turn you down if your contractions aren't steady trust me that has happened to me before. I had a lot of pelvic pressure when I was pregnant with my daughter and I went in and every time they would turn me away like I was kidding or something. Just make sure the contractions are coming steadily and on time. Another way you can tell Braxton Hicks and a real contraction apart is the real contractions usually come from the bottom of your stomach or your back and move to the middle of your stomach. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

The baby moves less when it is engaged in the pelvis.
If you have back contractions that sounds like Braxton Hicks which isn't labor, it is moving you to real labor. Contractions that begin in the back arn't labor.
Be sure and write down the minutes of your contractions...some times there is a pattern there that you don't pick up until you see the numbers written down.
If labor is on it's way be sure and get some reast and sleep if you can. When you aren't resting, walking is good both for you and labor.
Don't be afraid to call your doctor or hospital if you think you are in labor of it your water breaks.
Good luck...keep us all posted and all about the baby

Answer 4

you could be in labor or maybe false labor. If your water hasnt broke yet, go take a nice warm bath and relax...you will have a long few days ahead. While your soaking...have the hubby get your bag ready.When the contractions are about 5 minutes apart, call ur Dr. If you are truely in labor you will feel it soon enough and you will know.

Answer 5

I hope your midwife isn't too far away. When I thought I was in labor the doctor told me to get off my feet and drink a big glass of ice water. If they continue and are less than 5 minutes apart for an hour or more, get ready for baby.

Answer 6

Hm, how long has the baby not moved? If it's been awhile, I'd get it checked right away. You may be having contractions but the only way to know for sure it to call your doctor and/or go to the hospital.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

The hospital is always an option, that is the beauty of it! Go now, and worry about your midwife later. If you are in labor, and you don't go, you can cause problems for your unborn baby!

Answer 9

You could be in early labor, but unfortunately that can last hours, days, and even weeks. If you have not passed the mucous plug (you'll see it - bloody-ish), do not have fluid leaking, and are not in intense pain, you can relax. When active labor hits, you'll know it. Have you been checked lately for dilation? You can check yourself and see if your cervix is getting soft or dilating. Wash your hands good before and after, though!

Answer 10

tell me if the contractions make your stomach harden each time you have one . If you have a contraction and you whole belly get hard while having it then get your a** to the hospital . Don't wait on the midwife.

Answer 11

Truth is, nobody knows when the baby is coming out ... but since you're not in intense pain and your midwife is uncontactable, suggest you make yourself comfortable, have an adult with you and a phone ready in case of emergency.