What's going on with my wife's contractions?

Question

She had contractions from about 10 am to 3 pm that were regularly increasing in frequency and amount of pain. She was up and about for an hour or so doing little things around the house and only had about 4 contractions, and they were somewhat less severe. Now she's laid back down on the couch, and the contractions, and back and thigh pain are back with full force. She's nauseous and is afraid to eat anything. What is going on?

Answer 1

Real contractions do not change regardless of what your wife is doing.  If they stop or get less severe when she is up walking around, then they are only braxton hicks contractions.  Dehydration can cause these to be painful, so she needs to drink a lot of water.  If they get 5 minutes apart for more than a few hours then I would call the doctor.

Answer 2

sounds like early labour call the doctor and see what they suggest maybe if she moves around a little again she will feel better

Answer 3

How far along is she in her pregnancy? Sounds like the early stages of labor. If they get to about 5 mins apart and stay that way for 45 mins to an hour I would head to the hospital to get checked, unless she isn't even near being close to the end of her pregnancy then I would take her in now.  

Answer 4

Sounds like you need to call the doctor.  He may want you to go to the hospital to have her checked.  She may need to drink some water, sometimes contractions are her bodies way of saying she is dehydrated.  Good luck!

Answer 5

Might be early labour but it isn't true labour or active labour. This could go on for days.

Pain intensity should be your biggest clue. No matter what she does, it won't feel better.  Whether walking or sitting.  She will have bloody show as well.

Answer 6

If she is feeling nauseous, she is probably pretty close to giving birth. Most women will feel able to eat and drink during early labor but with the stronger contractions in active labor, she won't even want to smell food.

Get in contact with your caregivers if you haven't already been in touch with them (since the contractions started).

Best wishes to you and your wife :)

Congratulations too!