Am I in labor or... what?
Has anyone else had this?
Ok, last Friday, I started having mild period-like contractions every 5 to 7 paired w/ nausea. My OB sent me to L+D; once there, though having marked contractions, I had no dilation. They sent me home until I made progress, telling me to return if they were 5 to 10 apart but more intense, or if I had blood, fluid, stillness from baby, etc. After a night of this, I fell asleep and woke up the next morning (yesterday) contraction free. So I thought that was that.
But now, starting at 1am, I'm back to having contractions every. The problem is that they are varying in intensity and duration, and they don't seem to end, so it's hard to time them. A different nurse told me "not to bother" coming in unless I had intense contractions that were 3 min apart and "intense"; completely different instructions than the other L+D nurse. I mean, what is "intense"? These are intense to me... they could be a lot worse, I know, but how do I know?
Sorry if this sounds stupid. It's my first, and I am just not sure what to do.
Re: Am I in labor or... what?
Intense usually means takes your breath away. So if you have to focus on getting through the contraction and they're consistent, I'd consider it real contractions.
With DD my contractions weren't ever timetable. And they were only intense for a total of 4hrs.
RSVP Date: 2/28/2011
I had this exactly a couple days ago. Drank water, laid down, and took a warm bath and they didn't stop. Went to hospital and was sent home. I'm still at home, so this isn't even always the best rule of thumb even though that is what my Dr told me too.
That was what I was told to do, too; 5-1-1. I've done all of the above plus walking and cleaning, and they haven't gone away. They are about 5 to 7 right now, lasting 1 minute or more, for several hours. But aren't getting closer. I'm beginning to wonder if it's PD ("False Labor"). With an appointment already scheduled for the morning, one way or the other, I'm getting seen. So I'm going to wait and see. I'll tell you this, too; they are exhausting.
Thanks! I'd never heard of PD; just Googled it and am thinking it's probably the same thing. As I posted a sec ago, I have a regular weekly in the morning anyway, so one way or another, I'm getting seen in less than 24 hours.