I don't know what to think! Early labor?

Question

So i went to the doctor today, found out i am 1 1/2 centimeters dilated! i have been having some pretty intense contractions, pretty close together. but NOT quite at 5 minutes apart. I mean, yeah I know you can't just predict when the baby is going to come... my back has been hurting pretty bad.. it kinda burns! anyways.. do you think these are labor symptoms... when did you start to dilate? then go into labor?

this is just all so new to me, and i'm kinda freaking out (if you can't already tell) i have been reading SO much about labor and false labor and such... but when it comes down to what i have been going through today, i really just don't know what to think! i know that i should go to the hospital at 5 minutes apart... okay.. thanks for listing!

....35 weeks 2 days

Answer 1

well your already dilating and if your contractions are getting worse then you should go to the doctor you may have dilated more so please go to the hospital  

Answer 2

Take a deep breath.  Try and take a warm bath.  Relax as much as you can.  You will know when the real thing hits.  The contraction won't just be pretty intense, but EXTREMELY intense, and will get closer and closer together consistently.  Freaking yourself out won't help.  The back pain could just be a side effect of the pregnancy.  I know mine drives me nuts.  I have also been dealing with horrible braxton hicks contractions for the last half of my pregnancy.  If you feel that you can't handle the contractions anymore, I suggest going to the triage in your hospital to get monitored.  Best of luck to you!!

Answer 3

I think you need to get a large glass of water and lie down.

False labor contractions may occur regularly at 5 minute intervals, but generally only last about 30 seconds or so. It isn't uncommon for women who have had children before to misinterpret Braxton-Hicks as the real thing and show up at the hospital, only to be sent home a short while later. Here are some signs you may be in false labor:

Contractions are irregular.

Contractions don't get closer together after a certain period of time.

Contractions are usually weak and don't get stronger over time.

Contractions are usually felt in the front only instead of in the back.

Contractions may slow down or stop completely if you lay down, drink fluids or take a hot shower.

True Labor

True labor is characterized by contractions that come regularly, gradually strengthen over time and do not go away if you change position. Here are some signs of true labor you may be aware of:

Contractions usually last between four and six minutes apart and may last up to 60 seconds or more.

Contractions generally get stronger over time.

Vaginal pressure or back pain accompanies contractions.

Contractions continue to get stronger regardless of your position or whether you consume fluids.

Contractions are accompanied by a bloody show or the mucous plug.  

Answer 4

your belly is adorable! i would call the drs office if your really worried. they should have a nurse who is on call all hours. thats really all i can say as im not experianced in this area yet. im due on the 7th of october. good luck

Answer 5

Well I just know that when I went into labor I was having some intense pains all day but had a hard time counting between contractions but once I could count between them and they were clear to count I went to the hospital, I was only about 3c's dilated but because I was suppose to be having a c section they just did it right then. So If you can clearly count your contractions and they are getting stronger and stronger I would go back to the hospital or of course if your water breaks. I also heard something about that burning feeling that might mean you should go. Oh and if you feel like you have to poo go to the hospital lol  

Answer 6

Your due pretty close to when I am, especially if you think they stuffed up your dates!

Honestly, I think it could be a bit of false labor, but I would go get checked out at your maternity ward anyway, you could very well have progressed into real labor.

I only base the 'false labor' theory, on what I experienced just last week (and continue to experience mind you)

I have contractions that are 4 minutes apart, but aren't leading to any dilation whatsoever.

But it really is worth being checked for!

Answer 7

you've been given great answers already, but I just wanted to reiterate that if you are worried you should feel perfectly within reason to call your doctor. That's what they are there for, medical needs and emotional support. Don't stress just go ahead and call.

Answer 8

Sounds like it. The fact that they are becoming a pattern and becoming more frequent. It might not happen tonight but it could happen soon. Just be vigilant and keep an eye on the spacing of them.

Then again, Im kinda in the same boat as you. I am due within days of you and I have a c-section scheduled Oct 1st. Im so scared I will go into labor before then so Im watching myself super carefully.

Maybe just relax or try to anyway. The poster above me has the best explanation of what is true and false. Good luck!! Keep us posted!!!

Answer 9

i have been dialated since 36 weeks and have the same symptoms and lost my mucus plug 4 days ago im still preggo! i am due on saturday. oh btw you will have a backache the rest of the pregnancy. Good luck!