Could I be near labor now? What do you think? What was your experience?

Question

I'll be 40 weeks tomorrow. Last night I was having TONS of Braxton Hicks. Normally I just get a few during the day while at work but from 4pm on last night my stomach felt like a python was wrapped around it. I wasn't crampy but my lower back was hurting (not crampy just - hurting). I had some major pressure in my pelvis too. I was timing these BH contractions and they were 3 minutes apart. They eased off during the night and I'm still having some this morning. Do you think my body is gearing up for real labor maybe?? I'm just so scared I'll have to be induced, so I''m really hoping my body is getting ready to do it own its own.

I had my membranes stripped 2 days ago - I didn't even cramp afterward.

What's your opinion? I know every labor is different, I'm just hoping to go natural.

THANKS!!!!

Answer 1

Keep timing them. It they are irratic, then they aren't contractions. But if they are consistent and last about a 40 seconds to a minute or more each, then yeah, your in labor. Call the doctor when they are 5 minutes apart. (from the beginning of one to the start of the next)

But it does sound like your body is getting ready! Good luck!

Answer 2

With me, at 2am one morning, I got the worst cramps I've ever had in my life. They lasted a minute or so then went away. Then I woke up exactly an hour later with the same thing. I did that all night. Then when it was 6am, they started every half hour for a few hours, then every 20 minutes, then 10 then 5, etc. Braxton Hicks do not have a pattern to them. Real contractions do. Just time them and see if you have a consistent pattern. If you do, call your doc for their opinion. Maybe they will want to see you. Good luck!!

Answer 3

You are probably going to go into labor in just a day or two. I had an experience similar to yours. One day I was having so many BH contractions (they were painful and pretty regular) that I was sure I was in labor and went to the birthing center, but eventually they subsided.

The next morning I woke up and it was "the real thing" - my waters had broken and the contractions were much more painful.

With such strong and regular practice contractions your body is definitely toning for labor, and your cervix is likely dilating and effacing, too, which might shorten some of the stages of labor for you.

You will be holding your baby soon!

Answer 4

Well, 40 weeks you are diffinetly in Labor. If I was you I would call my doctor. This is not a risk to play with, especially at 40 weeks. Usually the doctors would tell you to call them once and you contractions are 5 minutes apart. Another way to tell is when your water brakes and that feels like you want to keep running to the bathroom and you will see the pink plug come out than my suggestion would be go the hospital. But yes, I think you are in labor out of experience.

Good Luck

Answer 5

sounds like your body is preparing on its own....I went into labor 2 days after I had my membranes swept so I guess it really worked..it wont be long, have your bag ready and do any last minute things you need to do...that way you'll be prepared and also doing some work around the house can help to bring on real contractions...but sounds like early labor to me...congratulations, how exciting! You'll have your angel with you by the wknd.

Answer 6

It began with a late night dash to hospital,a long overnight labor followed by an even longer day of uncomfort,till finally the early evening birth,i was very tired and emotional,i couldn,t really comment about my wife,she had the drugs this time.

Answer 7

Sounds like you're about there...the way I knew was those pains in my lower back. They became unbearable but I knew that my baby was just about here. Congrats and good luck with your delivery :)

Answer 8

Your going in labor! Soon!