One SURE Sign Labor is Really Happening:
Consistent Contractions: When you begin to experience regular uterine contractions, this is the strongest indication that you are in labor. This is the time to get your notebook to record the exact time each one begins and how long it lasts. These contractions feel like menstrual cramps or a low backache that comes and goes at 20 to 30 minute intervals. Gradually, the aching or cramping becomes stronger and lasts longer. When your contractions are consistantly 5 minutes apart, it's time to call your health care provider.
Everyones labor is different, as is yours. What you want to look for is:
Labor Contractions Have the Following Characteristics:
They are regular
They follow a predictable pattern (such as every eight minutes)
They become progressively closer
They last progressively longer
They become progressively stronger
Each contraction is felt first in the lower back and then radiates around to the front or visa versa
A change in activity or position will not slow down or stop contractions
There may be bloody show
Membranes may rupture
Your health care provider will notice cervical changes, such as effacement (thinning), or dilation
You will give birth @ 10 cm's., you have a little ways to go.
You won't be home @ 10 cm's.
2006-12-30 13:11:08
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answer #1
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answered by Fraulein 7
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Yup ive been through it. Im now nearly 41wks pregnant and went into false labour at 35wks.
I was actually at the hospital at the time having a blood pressure assesment done and had been contracting for around 4-5 hours. They were about 15-20mins apart and were lasting for about 50secs each one. They ended up sending me home because my contractions werent getting closer together and i had no "show" and my waters didnt rupture prematurely.
The contractions stopped altogether by themselves an hour after i got home. I havent gone back into labour at all. Im now due for an induction on Saturday the 6th of Jan.
I havent had any kind of cervix assesment so i have no idea if it is dialating at all. But just go by what the hospital says. Alot of women i know are not accepted into hospital unless they are either in severe pain, their waters break or the contractions are closer together (under 10mins apart). So dont worry, its all normal for them to send you home at this stage. As far as your cervix dialating its also normal for them to soften and open before the actual time you fall into labour.
Just keep an eye on your undies. If you find any small leaks that are watery in your pants (and it isnt urine) call the hospital and ask for advice. Put a pad on and lay down for an hour and if you find it is moist keep the pad and take it to the hospital. They can test it to see if it is amniotic fluid.
Cheers and good luck
2006-12-30 21:38:58
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answer #2
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answered by gr33n_3y3d_grrl 5
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I had something similar yesterday only my contractions were 5 mins apart and hurt so bad, they had me walk for an hour b/c i was only dilated 3 cm i was sent home they said i had to be a 4 before i could be amitted and needed to wait until they are 2 to 3 mins apart i told my mom and she didnt understand why i showed her my discharge papers the contractions havent stop and are lastign longer but not at 3 mins. I know its frustrating (sp?) you go thru classes and are told certain things all along them it gets close to time and new rules are made
2006-12-30 20:59:42
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answer #3
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answered by Shalana L 1
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Labour can stop and start like that, it isn't a big deal. And contractions for 4 hours 15 more minutes apart is nothing.
Really you only need to go the hospital when you are 5 minutes apart or less.
2006-12-30 20:52:59
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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I dont think the doctors would have sent you home if you needed to stay. I would wait until your contractions got a little closer, like lets say 5-10 min apart. Then go into the hospital. However, I wouldn't go home, I'd stay close to the hospital.
2006-12-30 20:47:41
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answer #5
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answered by trudywannabe 2
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Yeah my hospital told me to only come if my water broke or my contractions were 3-5 minutes apart. If you are in unbearable pain go in let them give you something and send you home. Take a warm bath or do some walking!
2006-12-30 21:01:18
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answer #6
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answered by mom2ghl 3
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Sometimes early labor can start and stop. Slow down and speed up. Keep on your feet and walk as much as you can. You'll know when it's time to really go. My neice was dilated 7cm. for a week before she finally went to the hospital.
2006-12-30 20:40:52
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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The same thing happened to me. Just be careful. Mine went away for about 8 hours then I came back in full labor. It got very intense very quick. So I would suggest having your bags packed and ready to go to the hospital so your not rushing to get it done when your in the middle of labor. Good luck and Congrats
2006-12-30 20:48:38
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answer #8
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answered by lovinmommy 2
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wait for your contractions to get a little closer together before you call again. I think you are much better off at home than in hospital anyway during this phase of labour.
I hope everything works out OK for you. Good luck!
2006-12-30 20:41:31
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answer #9
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answered by Peter N 2
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How far along are you? Yes this can be labor, but if this is your first you need to be monitored. Has your water broke? If your uncomfortable go back to your Dr. / hospital whatever, I about drove my Dr. nuts with my first. lol Good Luck and congratulations
2006-12-30 20:54:59
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answer #10
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answered by whateverhohum 3
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