Beginning of Labor?

JackieJarek821

I posted this on another board as well, but thought maybe some of you experienced mamas might have some stories to share :-)
I'm a FTM, 37wks2days. Last night around 11:30 I started having some cramping.. very mild, but noticeable. I was having Braxton hicks, anywhere from 5-20min apart. I went to work at 4:00 today (I waitress) and I started noticing that my stomach was getting rock hard every 5-15min and still having cramping. Between 7:15-7:45 I had 6 "contractions" (not sure if.they're considered Braxton hicks or the beginning of real contractions?!). I've also had much more pressure than before. And a few times over the past day or two I've had shooting sensations down below... anyone had this before and then go into active labor shortly after? I know that I'll know when it.turns into REAL contractions... just wondering what others have experience.
Thanks!

Ayreka

Sounds like things are beginning to move along. Stay active and that will help.

lalamakita

Congrats! Your body's getting ready, sounds like! It could come soon, or do this on/off thing for a while. Lots of walks, water, rest! I get a lot of painless, though rock hard BH ctx. But I'm hoping they're being somewhat productive and I'll start dilating before any painful ctx.

Good luck!

smilejenn

savannah_girl said:

I had that for about 3-4 weeks. Then I was induced. It could mean something or nothing. GL

Ditto this. I've had these symptoms for at least 4 weeks.

cookingardener

I've been experiencing similar for well over a month. And I'm past due with an induction scheduled to start tomorrow night. Sorry!

BelhurstBride

You could go into labor tomorrow. You could go into labor in 5 weeks. 

YWIA! 

sfeebs13

BelhurstBride said:

You could go into labor tomorrow. You could go into labor in 5 weeks. 

YWIA! 

I second this.
I have had the same thing going on and off for about 3 weeks now.

KaylaC0514

Sounds like early labor but yeah it could go on for weeks.  Not to discourage you, but just to share my experience,  I was in early labor for a month and still had to be induced at 42 weeks.  Just try to ignore whatever is going on now but be ready, everyones different and baby could come any day!

CaliforniaDream87

I've been experiencing all this and I'm still pregnant. Seems normal for this stage in pregnancy. Just keep an eye on it.

JackieJarek821

thanks, ladies :-) I'm just SOOO ready for.her to come!!! I feel so grouchy and uncomfortable. But, this is to be expected!

BelhurstBride

At 37 weeks you could still be looking at a NICU visit for your LO. I'd personally be praying for 3 more weeks of pregnancy, if I were you. 

imakeeff0rts

Also, if you question whether or not you're in labor, you should probably call your doctor. They see this every day. We do not. We can't examine your cervix, your contractions, etc. Your doctor can tell you for sure. Internet strangers can't.