When you started labor, how long was it before your contractions got so painful you couldn't stand it? I've been having contractions for a while now, but I still can't tell the difference between just muscle aches that come and go and an actual contraction. I'm not sure if I should be timing the tightening, or just overlook it until the severe pain starts. What should I do?
2007-03-10 08:09:10 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
More about me... I was due on March 7th, and I think today I lost the "plug" because there has been this disgusting yellowish stuff that never stops! Ew!
2007-03-10 08:31:44 · update #1
You're supposed to time them from the time you first feel the contraction (i.e. the tightening) until the time you first feel the next one. If they aren't getting closer together, or they are irregular, then they are not real contractions yet. I know a few days before I went into actual labor I had constant braxton-hicks contractions. So when I actually was in labor, it took a little while for me to notice them getting closer together and stronger. Believe me, you'll know when they're real! When they are about 10 minutes apart, call the doctor. Good luck :)
2007-03-10 08:17:15 · answer #1 · answered by Lindsay M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be timing it, at least, every once in a while.
For the first delivery, my contractions started getting painful enough that there wasn't any doubt this was not a drill after about 4 hours or so.
If they aren't that bad but they are still coming every 3-4 minutes, you might want to call your doctor to get his opinion. If they are still 10-15 minutes apart (and you're full term), just rest for now. You'll need your strength later. Also, if they are just braxton-hicks, they will be more likely to stop if you take it easy for a little while.
2007-03-10 08:18:16 · answer #2 · answered by LilyRT 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are making you groan outload then go to the doc! I can really only tell u my experiance, because everyone is different...some say labor was easy for them and didn't even hurt, so you never know but the signs to go to the doc are water breaking...and t rust me YOU'll know if it idoes! My contractions started about 1 day before....light but still mildly painfull....at about 3am the next morning I had yet to sleep they were making me grunt outloud....aroud5 I woke up my husband told him to take the other kid to the neighbors and lets go....I was in lots of pain and got to the doc's around 6, I didn't end up having him till almost lunch time. I think i got off subject...Contrax are supposed to feel like tightening and pain all at once. If your achey all ove ryour belly constantly...thats not a cont! If your belly is getting more painfull and tight at once and lasting more than 15 seconds then thats contx and then you start counting!
2007-03-10 08:18:28 · answer #3 · answered by HushYourFuss 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How many months are u? Is this your 1st child? More than likely they are Braxton Hicks contractions. However if you start bleeding or your water breaks you should call the doctor/go to the ER. Go ahead and time them but if they get 5-7 mins apart and are consistent(don't stop) then you should really call your doc/go to ER. When you are in labor --you will definitely know!!
2007-03-10 08:20:59 · answer #4 · answered by boolissa2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should call your doctor, and it can be awhile before you actually give birth from the time mild contractions start. actual contractions are very strong and sharp pain.. makes you want to pant.. like you learn in lamaze classes.don't time the tightening...just wait for the severe pain, when you have strong contractions that is what you should be timing.. should be anywhere between 2-5 minutes apart before going to hospital. good luck
2007-03-10 08:16:38 · answer #5 · answered by mistyriver69 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depending on how fast your family normally births I would pay more attention to how severe the pressure for me and my family we all birth fast and did not have alot of pain until the baby was in the birthing channel.
I was at a lvl 8 contraction and not minding them at all.
I was in labor 1 1/2 hours on both my children.
this is going to sound really sick but it works really well push the baby with the same muscles you would use if constipated.
it wont tear your stomach muscles and gets the baby out faster.
2007-03-10 08:16:57 · answer #6 · answered by Blessed Rain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely start timing the "aches" - muscle aches do not come and go in regular intervals but baby birthing contractions do. Good luck!
2007-03-10 08:17:39 · answer #7 · answered by amom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only you will know if its the real thing. Timing the contractions (or muscle spasms) isnt a bad idea...When theyre painful....almost like menstral cramps and the pain goes away when the tightening goes away then it sounds like labor to me.
2007-03-10 08:14:34 · answer #8 · answered by vanessalee52480 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you've been exercising and eating right, they won't. That's all a myth perpetuated by the doctors who don't get paid as much for a 15 minute bay-check as they do for dosing you with pitocin, making you lay flat on your back with an epidural and then slice you open because you've been in labor too long and nothing's happening.
I've caught 3 children. Their mothers were never on anything more than Nitrous Oxide.
2007-03-10 08:16:15 · answer #9 · answered by Horsmn4 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋