Signs of labor?

Question

How far apart are the contractions, how long do they last, and how often before the baby wants to make his apperance????thankyou...

Answer 1

If contractions are about 5 minutes apart and they are constant and do not stop no matter what you do, then I would say to call the doctor. Real labor contractions will not stop and become stronger. If your water brakes then that is a sure sign that baby is on his/her way.

Answer 2

My contractions started off really close together and by the time I figured I was in labor, they were right on top of each other. The baby can come anytime after the contractions start, for some women it's really fast (my labor was 7 hours) and for others they can be in labor for days, it really just depends on you. But you'll know when you're in labor because you'll be either in a lot of pain or just very uncomfortable.

Answer 3

when contractions get longer, stronger and closer together then you are in active labor. you will know....believe me you will know. also labor varies in length so the doctors do not even know how long before baby makes appearance.

by the way, braxton hicks can be pretty painful so the person who said that braxton hicks are merely uncomfortable and real contractions hurt has no clue. also all contractions are real they are just different stages braxton hicks are real but they are preparing you. early labor is real but it could still be weeks before child comes even though you may be dilating. active labor is what is the most painful and it does not go away until baby arrives. active labor can last hours to a few days but doctors do not generally let you stay in active labor for days anymore.

One last comment: not every women loses her mucus plug or has her water break before she needs to go to the hospital.

Answer 4

I am with Ray. But there are a lot of different ways you can tell that "it is time!" You can feel an extreme pressure to urinate and then your "water will break". You can feel like you are weak and having craps. Also, if you feel like you are having cramps but more in your back. You can have what is called "false labor" and have sharp pains "contractions". The baby will make his appearance when he is ready and everybody is different. And for those with many children know it could be different with each one. Just try to listen to your body and if you are having pains call your doctor and follow the prep instructions your doctor gives you.

Good Luck!!

Answer 5

You're not supposed to go to the hospital until they're 5-7 min apart consistently for one hour. My doc didn't say anything about length, but I know sometimes they want them to last a full minute.

It can still be HOURS before the baby makes his appearance. Every labor is different, as is every pregnancy. There really isn't any scientific way to calculate it.

Answer 6

Mine were about 1 to 3 minutes apart before my water broke and after that they were about a minute apart and I pushed for about 45 minutes and my baby was here! I think mine lasted about 30 to 60 seconds at a time, but everyone is different!

Answer 7

Wow....are you having contractions? It depends if this is your first pregnancy or not, I am assuming it is. If they are causing you a lot of pain then you are in labor, some discomfort possibly Braxton Hicks. How far along are you? If your contractions are consistant you need to seek medical advice from your practitioner.

Answer 8

I have two kids and the sign of labor for me was I lost my mucus plug it fell in the toliet
it's a gelatin slime that looks gross