Hey ladies...just a few questions @ 38 weeks...?

Question

i have had back contractions for days, almost a whole week now. They start in my back and go around to my front. I know labor is unpredictable so I am not going to ask will it happen soon. I have accepted it will happen when it happens. But is it common to have contractions for this long w/no change? They last the about the same amount of time and are still about 40 mins apart. I have looked on line but cannot find an answer. So I came here. Is it common for them to go on for weeks? I also have been swelling alot more. which is pretty normal for someone @ 38 weeks.

Also, if my mother and sister both had to have their water broken, what are the chances I will too? I am carrying just like they did and have had similar problems, like the low iron/high blood sugar.

And if your water does not break how will i know when to go to the hospital? My doc said to go immediately after my water breaks. if that doesn't happen...then what?

Any advice is welcome. i have a doc appt that i had hoped i woudnt have to go to this tuesday and i will ask my doc all these things too.

Answer 1

every woman is different, so just becasuse your family had to have their water broke, doesnt mean you will, on the other hand, alot of women have to have their water broke. i was induced at 37wks due to high blood pressure, and for 12hrs they couldnt get me to dialate, until they broke my water, then it happened very fast. maybe do alot of walking if you are able, it might break your waters.  

Answer 2

I delivered at 33 weeks, So I don't know if this will help or not. Two weeks prior to me going into labor, I had terrible pains in my private area. If I would put my leg out of the vehicle, it would catch me with an awful pain but I ignored it. The day I went into labor it was very mild * thank goodness I had a doctors appointment that day* but it felt like period cramps. When he checked me I was dialated 4 centemeters and immediately placed me in the hospital. I told him about the "pains" I had been having and he said that If I would have just told him what I was experiencing, he could have probably prevented my preterm labor.

My advice to you is to call your doctor. Never take your own opinion or assume something. In the end, they know what is best for you and the baby.

As far as having to have your water broken and you thinking you're following in your mothers footsteps, every woman and her body is different, so only time will tell.

Good Luck and I hope I helped a little.

God Bless

BTW-- this is my husbands account.