How long after false labor will real labor begin? ?

Question

Today is my due date. I had 4 hours or real contractions-tightening of my entire uterus (never happened to me before- have had plenty of braxtonhicks for months) and achy back pain that peaked and pulsated during the contractions. They were 3 to 4 minutes apart for hours even after I walked. Then they seemed to decrease, along with the pain. When will real labor start? I've read about the false labor , and all of this qualified as real labor and, I believe,back labor. I can't get a hold of my doctor.

Answer 1

I started laboring on my due date as well, and gave birth 3 days later.  I also did a lot of walking and suffering...scared a lot of people at Blockbuster when we went to rent a movie, having contractions every other isle I went down lol. It's hard to say how long it will last.  Hopefully not very long, labor is something very unpredictable. It can takes days and weeks, or it could be just a few hours before you're fully dialated.  I would def keep trying to call the doctor, since they were only 3-4 mins apart. Good luck!

Answer 2

When you find out let me know LOL!!!  Actually I have heard when they start getting painful, real labor is right around the corner, and that when you feel them wrap around to your back that IS a contraction and not a BH anymore, so it sounds to me like you are getting there.

Try some fresh pineapple or raspberry leaf tea or both!!  Keep walking to move that baby down...  I mean since your contractions decreased you probably aren't in actual labor yet, but it sounds to me like it's real close...  Good Luck!!!

Jen

Mom to One and 9mos Pregnant