This is my first pregnancy and I am very confused..How will I be able to tell if I am in labor or not? I'm 40 weeks pregnant and for the past couple of days I have had period like contractions.. Their timing was off though. Some would be 5 minutes apart.. then 10. This is ever since Friday.. Last night I lost my mucus plug, it was thick and jelly like, very gross if you ask me. So I was sure I was in labor. I decided to wait it out to see if they got stronger and came more frequently and they didn't. So then today came and they happend maybe for another hour then stopped compleatly. Am I in labor? I don't think they were Braxon Hicks because these were strong and frequent. But if not labor.. what is it?
2007-02-12 05:12:25 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
First off congrats~ A new baby is very exciting.
As for your Q.
NO I don't think you're in labor; HOWEVER I'm not a Dr or am I qualified enough to tell you. If you feel uncomfortable, then you need to call your OB. Only he/she will be able to decide what you should or should not do.
But since you're asking....
I do believe that you're experiencing Braxton hicks. They can feel just like the real thing. At this point in the game though every thing you feel will be different then the time you felt it before. Again this is why your Dr plays an important role.
Labor most times then not will start out slow, and progress as time passes. As you said the pains you were feeling were not steady, 5 minutes here 10 there, and then stop.
My history was all different also, so I really can't say yea or nea to them.
Keep up what you're doing though. Every time you have a pain write it down, and time it. Keep a log for how ever long you have too. You'll be able to give the Dr better time frames that way.
If your pains keep going, and get stronger and you're to the point where you just can't take it go to the hospital. DON'T drive your self. You'll be putting you, the baby, and every one else on the road at danger. When in labor your pains can get stronger with out warning. You need to be safe. Find a ride!
Also if your water breaks go to the hospital immediately. Don't wait! This puts you and the baby at risk for infection since the baby’s "protection" is now gone.
I hope this helps~
You and the baby will be fine!
I hope all goes well!
Good Luck~
2007-02-12 05:44:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I went into labour within 24 hours of losing my mucus plug. I know everybody says this... you will know!! It sounds like you're really close. They need to be about 5 minutes apart for an extended amount of time... increasing in intensity.
I had Braxton-Hicks for months... I knew it was the real thing when I could no longer focus on counting my own contractions. The contractions were much longer than Braxton-Hicks too.
2007-02-12 05:20:29 · answer #2 · answered by naenae0011 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very possible that it is contractions just keep them timed and watch for your water to break. I lost my plug a few hours before I went into labor, but it could be days after! I hope that everything goes well and God bless! I have posted a link below to help answers some of your questions.
2007-02-12 05:21:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Along with the contractions, if you feel an intense pain and pressure within your lower pelvic area, kinda like you have to go poop really bad.....you need to go to the hospital right away. You are very far along and I feel that you are really close to going into labor but keep in mind that that could last days. Don't panic but if you feel pressure and/or pain, go to the hospital immediately!! Good LUCK!! I can't wait to have my baby!!
2007-02-12 05:21:57 · answer #4 · answered by southernmel1st 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a practice labour like yours for three days with my first baby. I have now had four babies and they have all been very different. However I would say that "real" contractions(the sort that actually get you dilating) will become more frequent and stronger. If you are getting fed up with it all go and see your midwife and ask her to check if you have begun to dilate. you could also ask her to do a stretch and sweep on you cervix. That usually gets things going if you are cooked. GOOD LUCK TO YOU! AND MANY CONGRATS
2007-02-12 05:23:29 · answer #5 · answered by michelle w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they stopped, it was not labor. You will know when you are in active labor if the pains come within minutes of eachother and you wont be able to stand straight up or talk through them. The pain will be unbearable...that's when you know.
2007-02-12 05:25:21 · answer #6 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way that I can put it is: When you're really in labor there's no question of what it is. Sounds like you're getting close, when they become more regular give the hospital a call and let them know you're on your way.
2007-02-12 05:17:39 · answer #7 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you are going into labor, you will know. But, to be safe call your DR. & explain what is going on.....good luck
2007-02-12 05:23:35 · answer #8 · answered by texasangel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best thing you can do is to phone your midwife if you have one or you gynie, he will be able to tell you if you are in labor or not.
Good Luck....
2007-02-12 05:17:29 · answer #9 · answered by Ladybird 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely your going into labor
go immediately to a hospital
good luck mommy !!!
2007-02-12 05:16:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋