so how will i know FOR SURE that i am in labor?? im 37 1/2 weeks preggo and i feel the tightening and hardening constantly (bh possibly?)
2007-05-15 11:30:21 · 21 answers · asked by poisinherself 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
You will know for sure that you are in labor when the contractions grow increasingly close together, become intense enough that you cannot talk through them and have to stop what you are doing to breath and focus. That is the only way you will know.
Some women have their water break weeks before labor begins. Some women don't rupture until they are completely dilated and pushing. So this is not always a good indication of whether or not you are laboring. *Usually*, but not always, if you are due (37 weeks and beyond), when your water breaks prior to labor, labor will begin within 12 hours or so.
2007-05-15 11:34:58 · answer #1 · answered by Take A Test! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Out of four pregnancies, my water only broke before labor the last time. Imagine my surprise when it happened. Here I was thinking I was an old pro at this labor and delivery thing, had it all mapped out in my head. Not only did my water break but it happened 4 weeks early (my other three children were born within days of their due dates).
What you're feeling sounds like Braxton-Hicks. Chances are greater with a first pregnancy that you'll go past your delivery date rather than before it, but that's not a guarantee either. Babies come when they're ready. I will say that you'll definitely know when it's "real" labor. It's much more intense and regular. And yes, intense is a kind word for painful.
2007-05-15 11:39:57 · answer #2 · answered by J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is true, your water might not break before labor begins. The doctor had to break my water right before I started pushing. When you start getting contractions, believe me you'll know! It feels like really bad cramping that comes and goes every so many minutes. Some people get back labor too and that just means you'll feel the pain/cramping in your lower back also. When you do go into labor, make sure to time how far apart the contractions are. The closer together they are, the closer you are to actually having that baby. Congratulations and good luck with everything! You'll be fine.
2007-05-15 11:39:10 · answer #3 · answered by sunshine 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry about the water breaking, my second was crowning and the water still had not broke, in fact it didn't break with either child. I also went into labor at 37 weeks with both children, if it is labor the pains WILL get worse, although they may never be perfectly time-able. Trust me you will know when active labor is upon ya! Good luck and congrats.
2007-05-15 11:38:41 · answer #4 · answered by unhappyinin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is true. Actually, only about 15% of women have their waters break before they go into labor. The best way to tell is by the timing of the contractions. Usually they will become more painful, and they will start getting longer with shorter periods of time in between.
2007-05-15 11:33:45 · answer #5 · answered by makin_the_same_mistakes 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will know! Believe me on this one! You may have contractions waaaay before you are ready to pop, but your body will not let you miss the main event. You will feel constant contractions, with the break between them lessening steadily, and you will probably feel like you have to go to the bathroom a lot. My water didn't break with my last pregnancy, and the labor still felt exactly the same as the one when my water DID break.
2007-05-15 11:39:39 · answer #6 · answered by darknemesistattoo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rule is 4-1-1 Contractions every four minutes lasting one minute for one hour.
Your water will evenutally break before birth, but it may break after the point that you already need to be at the hospital.
Most likely you are feeling bh.
Always go to hospital if you see bright red blood. DArk red could be from sexual intercourse or other reasons and only needs a call to doctor. (Mucous plug also may not dislodge until you are already at the hospital).
2007-05-15 11:35:06 · answer #7 · answered by s7e28w81 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You'll feel contractions and when they are 3-5 minutes apart call your doctor or just head to the hospital. Time them for the next 1-2 hours if they are 3-5 and time how long each one lasts if it's constant give your doc a call. Your water may not break on it's own, my doctor had to break mine.
2007-05-15 11:34:57 · answer #8 · answered by Katie Girl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have five kids my waters broke 2 times the others they broke for me, there are a lot of signs, what you descibe could be it too, but when it gets time to go to hospital, you will really know it, but call the docs office for what you are feeling now, with my first it was the doc that told me i was in labor i was not sure, so keep in close contact with doc, the good thing is at your week even if you go in to hospital and it is not labor they might help you out
2007-05-15 11:37:10 · answer #9 · answered by melissa s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not every womans water will break before labor.....actually most do not. You will know when you begin to have REAL contractions. You will be able to tell the difference between braxton hicks and labor contractions. Trust me, you will just know... Good luck
2007-05-15 11:34:51 · answer #10 · answered by ERRN 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋