32 weeks pregnant....how do i know??

Question

I am 32 weeks pregnant. how do i know if it is contractions. Actually am confused as to how do i understand, is it really painful? When the water breaks how will i understand that its time now?? Oh no am so confused... experienced moms please help me.

Answer 1

when you feel contractions, time them. If they're consistant (every 30 minutes, every 20 minutes..) then call the doctor. If not, then they're braxton hicks, which are fake contractions, basically preparing your body for the real thing.
you'll know when your water breaks. It's usually not just a trickle. You'll feel a gush of warm water. When this happens, go to the hospital right away, or you can risk a dry delivery, which leaves you and your baby open for infection.
labor isn't that bad, but it depend on what route you go. I was induced and got an epidural at 5cm, but before the epi, I was ok. I didn't get to experience a vaginal birth. my son's heartrate dropped pretty low and had an emergency c-section.
If you've had a good pregnancy, at 32 weeks I wouldn't expect labor soon. Just keep relaxed, keep your feet up, and follow all your doctors orders. And by all means, get some rest now!! They say newborns sleep 16 hours a day, but trust me, YOU won't!!
I know pregancy is nerve wrecking.. I remember it like it was yesterday. But trust your body. I prmise you you will do everything just right. Once the baby is born, you'll have so much to obsess over, so try to keep your peace now. Celebrate!
also, don't foget..whatever emotions you have, the baby experiences. If you stay calm and in good spirits, you will most likely have a calm newborn. uptight momys-to-be are more likely to have fussy colicy babies.
Congratulations!! I wish you the best!

Answer 2

I am a mother of two girls and both pregnancies was different although I had them both naturally. First of all, you will begin having braxton-hicks...it's like contractions that feels like tightness around the belly and it feels hard too. But its nothing painful. The real contractions begins when it starts getting uncomfortable and a little painful. It needs to be timed...every 5 minutes for an hour especially for first time mothers because labor is usually longer for first-timers. My first baby was 6 hrs and second 8 hrs. It was timed from the time i arrived at the hospital to the end of labor. I went to the hospital the first time and it was a false alarm because you start getting nervous and the contraction stops so they have to send you home unless your already dilated at 4cm then they have to keep you and monitor you. But the second trip was real. I was dilated at 4cm after a few hours of more contractions. It comes and goes but it helps to dilate the cervix better. Also during this time, do a lot of walking, it really helps to get the contractions going. The real contractions has to be about a minute long every 5 minutes for an hour. Keep a watch nearby to time your contractions. I can honestly tell you that having labor can be painful. If you have the choice to get the epidural then do it and don't wait after your 5cm or else the nurses won't give it to you anymore. I couldn't get the epidural because my blood was too thin and they didn't want the risk of me hemorraging. Also do not let anyone force you to do anything your not comfortable doing. Always ask questions if you do not know...because sometimes the doctor's will order the nurses to come and rupture your water bag to rush your labor to make more room for other new moms. It's not always a good thing to have your labor rushed to convenient others. You have every right to tell them "no".
When the water breaks, it will just feel like a rush of warm water and it won't be painful. But if it ruptures even if you don't have contractions, go to the hospital immediately. Don't be afraid, be brave and you'll live through this miraculous moment that you will share with you new baby. Once you see the new baby, it's a worth the whole nine months and painful labor.

Answer 3

Hello,

Well, at 32 weeks I delivered my twins.

I must have been having contractions for two weeks and did not know it. I felt like I had to use the restroom all the time. My vaginal area was hurting, but I never thought it I was having contractions.

You see, my O/B had suggested I not take lamaze classes because I was a high risk pregnancy carrying twins. She did not want me on the ground doing all those exercises.

Anyway, had I taken those classes, I would have known what it felt like having contractions and going into labor.

When I got to the hospital on Nov. 5th, my contractions were 2-4 minutes apart.

My twins were born preemies at a hopsital that had a wonderful NICU. Today, my twins are 13 months and doing wonderfully.

My water never broke though.

Hope this helps you................... : - O

Answer 4

Poor chick, I am a first time mom too. I have not had my baby yet, but I did the pre term full blown labor a few weeks back. To me, contractions felt like horrible period cramps and a back pain I cannot describe. I have never hurt in that way that before. I know people say you will know, but I was confused too. I just knew something wasn't right. Don't worry! Your baby is almost cooked and you will have a beautiful new family member in a few weeks!

Answer 5

I say this by experience. I am the mother of three and my 1st. was natural and induced I did experience some labor pains and it felt like menstral cramps times 10.....
With my middle child c-section no labor pains or water breaking. But with my last child i was sitting at my desk and and just typing away when I felt this little pop like if I had gas but then I felt a little wet. I stood up and a flood of water came running down my legs. I had to change 3 times. No labor pains. I called my doctor and she said to go in. this was at 11pm I was in the labor room all night and I had some contraction a little painful and at 8am had a c-section. So all pregnacies are different. Gosh I really hope this helps..

Answer 6

When my water broke it was 4am. Something woke me up and I had a strange sensation of something moving through my body, like I was urinating but different. I ran to the bathroom, and the amniotic fluid was running down my leg, lol.
My contractions started about ten minutes after that. At first they were like mild period pains, gradually building in intensity.
But, every woman is different, sweetheart. There's certainly no need to worry about it!
Go to the newsagent and get yourself some pregnancy & birth magazines, and there are millions of websites for expectant mums.
There should also be classes at your local hospital or something similar that tell you all this stuff. All you have to do is ask someone in your local area, and you'll be pointed in the right direction.
Good luck :)

Answer 7

The feeling of contractions is like period cramps to the extreme.. I am now 34 weeks with my 2nd child. Had the 1st one at 33 weeks, my water broke and the contractions came immediately. I was dilated at 4cm when I had to go for emergency c-section cos baby is breech. Don't worry too much whether the contractions is real or not.. you will know it when something doesn't feel right.. good luck.

Answer 8

You know its time you the contraction become close together. I think its 10 in a hour when lying down relaxing. Its somewhat like a regular cramp but different. When time comes you will know, besides if you go to the hospital and your too early they will just send you home. Dont be embarrassed.
Have you taken the birth or labor class. They really help and explain and alot. (they also calm your fears and nerves too) Most hospitals offer them for free or local health departments do too.

Answer 9

They say that most first timers don't have their water break on it's own mine didn't with my first but with my second I knew when it did. If your water breaks it feels warm and no matter what you do it won't stop leaking after the first big gush. If you think you are having contractions try walking or laying down on your left side (just change you activity) and if they go away it's not labor but if they continue and get worse and trust me you'll know it's most likely labor. I couldn't walk or stand or even sit for that matter when I started labor. Good Luck with it all.

Answer 10

This is the time Braxton-Hicks contractions start - false labor. Just relax and you'll be fine.

As far as the real deal, you'll know! Time the contractions and when they get closer and more intense you'll know. Your water may not break. If it does, it could be a little leak or a huge gush. It's different for everyone.