Just how "regular" do contractions have to be?

Stef1210

Since week 20, it's been normal for me to have BH multiple times in an hour. So, I haven't paid much attention to the frequency of my contractions. Now, here I am at 38.5 weeks, and I'm getting somewhat painful contractions every 3-6 minutes. They've been ranging between 3 and 6 minutes apart for about 2 hours. My question is, is this "regular" enough? Or, are they still considered "irregular"?

And yes, I've put a call in to the nurses' line. I'm hoping to get a response soon.

TIA!

skio

Eh, it's all relative. It's not just regularity that matters. You don't sound too uncomfortable so I suggest trying to sleep. When you can't talk/walk through a contraction, that's when it's serious labor. Also, if they are spacing out with repositioning, walking or resting on your side, that's not regular, according to my doula.

Your doc will be able to tell you when to go in.

CEZimmer

My doctors told me that once I have contractions every 5 minutes I should go in, but I really haven't had many contractions this entire pregnancy.

 

kaleyandjason

My doctor said I need to follow the 5 1 1 rule. Contractions that are 5 minutes apart, last 1 minute, for 1 hour mean I should head to L and D.