Am I in early labor or real labor?

Question

Today I went to the doctor at 10am and got my cervix checked. I'm dilated 3 cm and at 37 weeks. The doctor said they he can't promise me, but things that the baby will be here by the end of next week. I know its normal, but I am still bleeding slightly from the exam still at 3pm.

I am also having what I think are contractions (cramping in my lower abdomen & back pain). I can't get comfortable & can't sleep, but the contractions & back pain aren't as bad as I would think if I was in labor. I don't want to blow them off because I am expecting much harsh contractions, but I have heard stories of people who have waited to long.

Here's the timing of the contractions.
2:29, 2:43,2:46,2:51, 2:56, 2:04, 3:11, 3:17, 3:23, 3:30, 3:37

I would love "to go out to lunch" but I am so naseous & sore that I don't enjoy walking to the bathroom.

Answer 1

well they look pretty close together and some women do not experience as much pain as others. And if you are already 3cm I would just be patient because you can be going into labor very soon. And the pain is normal sit on your birthing ball and relax and get ready to birth your baby. GOOD LUCK and congrats.

Answer 2

You do need to call in...37 wks. is considered full term and it is possible that you are in labor. If walking around stops them or slows them up quite a bit, then it may be Braxton Hicks. But please don't listen to the people who are saying that you aren't in true labor until your water breaks. Most women's water doesn't break until about 9 cm dilation, and that is well after the time you should be in the hospital. Often the doctors actually break your water, instead of it happening naturally. So if you wait for your water to break at home, you might wait too long to make it to the hospital.

Answer 3

You need to either go to the doctor or the hospital. I had that problem (my bleeding was minimal) and wouldn't ya know it, I had my baby that night . It doesn't hurt to get checked again (especially since you are bleeding). You probably should get to the hospital because of the cramping (contraction like) and bleeding all together. Good Luck and Congrats on the baby!!!! Maybe they are just the braxton hicks contractions, you won't know until you are checked. I also agree with maddie1979.

Answer 4

I'm guessing they are braxton hicks, because they are not as regular. Keep timing them though because it could be your body is working up to labor and it may happen fast. I wok up one morning and my labor was 5 minutes apart, that was my first...I slept through all the other labor. Keep them timed for another hour, if they begin to become regular (5 minutes apart for 30 minutes) you need to get to the hospital, try doing some walking if this increases them, get to the hospital. If you ahve questions go on up and have them check you out, that's their job. As for back pain, not every woman has back labor! To me they were just bad cramps.

P.S. I think sometimes the Dr.'s do things that may encourage labor to begin, and the exam may have done that.

Good luck! I would bet you have a baby by the end of the day tomorrow!

P.S.S. Your water does not have to break to be in labor, they broke mine for me, but I was in true labor.

Answer 5

It seems like they got really close then are starting to get further apart. Call and check in with the doc (they say to if you have more than 4 in an hour anyway). Very well could be BH from having the cervix checked. Best to err on the side of safety though. Best of luck.

Answer 6

If in doubt call your OB. If it were me these are the signs of early labor that I experienced with my first. No worries but once your contractions are 5 minutes a part ( it could take a day or two) for an hour you should definitely call your OB and head to the hospital.

Good luck to you and your baby!

Answer 7

if your water hasnt broken yet you might be having braxton hicks contractions lots of women get them before going into labor i would ask your doctor

good luck





go to this website it tells you everything
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/childbirth/156.html


What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks are sporadic uterine contractions that actually start at about 6 weeks, although you won't be able to feel them that early. You probably won't start to notice them until sometime after midpregnancy, if you notice them at all (some women don't). They get their name from John Braxton Hicks, an English doctor who first described them in 1872.

As your pregnancy progresses, Braxton Hicks contractions tend to come somewhat more often, but until you get to your last few weeks, they should remain infrequent, irregular, and essentially painless. Sometimes, though, Braxton Hicks are hard to distinguish from early signs of preterm labor.

Play it safe and don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. If you haven't hit 37 weeks yet and you're having four or more contractions in an hour, or have any other signs of preterm labor, call your caregiver immediately.

By the time you're within a couple of weeks of your due date, these contractions may get more intense and more frequent, and cause some discomfort. This period is sometimes referred to as "pre-labor."

How can I tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions?
In the days or weeks before labor, Braxton Hicks contractions may intermittently become rhythmic, relatively close together, and even painful, at times fooling you into thinking you're in labor. But unlike true labor, during this so-called "false labor" the contractions don't grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together.

What can I do if my Braxton Hicks contractions are making me uncomfortable?
If you're within a few weeks of your due date, try these measures:
• Change your activity or position. Sometimes walking provides relief, and other times resting eases your contractions. (Real labor contractions, on the other hand, will persist and progress regardless of what you do.)

• Take a warm bath to help your body relax.

• Try drinking a couple glasses of water, since these contractions can sometimes be brought on by dehydration.

• Try relaxation exercises or slow, deep breathing. This won't stop the Braxton Hicks contractions, but it may help you cope with the discomfort. (Use this opportunity to practice some of the pain-management strategies you learned in your childbirth preparation class.)








even so this may not be what you are experiencing so talk to your doctor

Answer 8

Sounds like braxton hicks contractions.they are not steady but very concerning how close together they are.Anytime you are that far along and a doctor checks your cervix it can cause bleeding.Myself I have had 6 kids and always knew when it was time to go to the hospital but in this case I would not know and I would go to be on the safe side.

Answer 9

No, you are having braxton hicks contractions. When you are in labor, your contractions will be 5 minutes apart. When they are 5 minutes apart or your water breaks, go to the hospital or call your doctor. Good luck to you.

Answer 10

Call youe doctor. You are having them about every 6-7 minutes. Sometimes the contractions are not as bad as you think they are going to be. Wait about another hour and if they continue to get colser together then you need to get to the hospital.