Was I experiencing contractions? early labour?

Question

I am almost 38 weeks pregnant. I have been experiencing a major increase in Braxton Hicks the last couple of weeks. Last night however, I felt contractions every 5 minutes for around 2 hours. These did not go away when I got out of bed and walked around the room. They were powerful enough. They eventaully let up and I was able to get back to sleep. I honestly thought that I might have begun labour. I have an 11 year old but I cannot remember much about the whole pregnancy thing as its been a while. I have also noticed my b*****s have leaked very slightly and (sorry, gross I know!) I constantly feel wet down below; not enough to wear a pad but definately far more moisture than the rest of this pregnancy - I keep going to the loo to check it out. I have also had some mild menstrual cramping in my hips and tops of thighs. I really appreciate your input based on your own early labour experiences.

Answer 1

Your water broke, it's leaking out bit by bit so it's not as noticeable I think you should go let the doctor check you out today. You may be in labor. Or pre-labor.

Answer 2

It was probably false labor, where your body goes into the first stages of labor for a few hours then quits. I had the same thing happen to me on Sunday then they just stopped. I'm almost 39 weeks so I'm right there with you. I too have noticed an increase in discharge over the past 2-3 days. I asked a ? about it earlier and no one told me anything so I don't know, but I feel your same symptoms. I think false labor means thatreal labor is coming soon though. GoodLuck

Answer 3

It could have been but it stopped so there is something to worry about. Next time you feel this, phone your doctor.  

Answer 4

It sounds like you have begun labor, based on what I learned in my Child Psychology class.  You should most definitely go to the doctor/hospital.

Answer 5

I think that you are in early labor. Many women are in labor for hours or even days before they even realize it. Unless you want to spend hours at the hospital, you can safely wait things out at home. If you want to speed up the process, take a walk. It works wonders. When either your water breaks or your contraction are coming less than five minutes apart (it feels like you can't catch your breath from the last pain when the next one starts). It's time to get to the hospital. Please give us an update and let us know when you have your baby.

Answer 6

maybe

Answer 7

call the hospital or your midwife and ask. they will have heard it all before and will advise you on signs that show you need to go to hospital.  

Answer 8

You could be.  When labor really gets going though you can't sleep through it.  Rest now, that baby just may be getting ready to meet you.

btw-- my early labor felt like I had to pee a lot, like he was on my bladder.

Answer 9

i was in early labor for 2 months. the dr had to make me drink a gal of water a day. I had these pains, i would say you are in real labor..although i had my son almost 6yrs ago, i am prego again and i got 35weeks left though

Answer 10

The thing to most concerned about is the wetness. It is a possibility that your membranes have ruptured.  I never had that "gush" of fluid people talk about.  I just felt "wet", I couldn't really feel it coming out and I thought my bladder was just not holding everything.  Turns out it was my bag of water and if I didn't go to the hospital that day, they said I could have got an infection.  Does it smell like urine?  If not, and it is clear....call the Dr.