Prodromal labor... Again.

crysmwing

I know there has been another discussion on this, but I feel that was awhile ago. I am 40 weeks and a day and for the last 48 hours I have had terrible Prodromal contractions. I was certain for the first day they were the real thing but they never get closer than 7 minutes together, usually never further than 25 minutes apart and hurt, a lot. When they happen it's a breathe through it, no walking or talking type of thing.
I went to my OB today and I have made no progress, still just 1cm with soft cervix and baby boy still is not engaged. I started crying because it's so discouraging to have this much discomfort and know that it's not even accomplishing anything! Plus I'm sleep deprived!
What I'm wondering is, how long can these last at 40 weeks? I hear of people having them for weeks, but that seems extreme at my stage. Are there any women out there who only had them for a few days before the real thing? And how did you cope with them? I'm waiting for other signs that labor has progressed but I feel hopeless after my appointment. It's literally all the time and my dr just says to hang in there. I'm trying for a VBAC so they're trying to keep from inducing me. The thought that this could last for a long amount of time makes me feel crazy. Just looking for others experiences or opinions I guess.
Thank you!

dulcemamasota

I feel you. I've been getting them also. I'm 39 weeks and have had them for the last 2 weeks, going to the hospital twice thinking it was real labor. I am so done being pregnant!

mrsdobbie

I have been having them since Monday at 1am. They did get up to 5 mins apart on Monday night so I went to the L&D and they told me I was 90% effaced and 2cm dilated and told me to come back at 3 minutes apart. They haven't gotten any closer steadily since then, just contractions between 4 and 20ish mins the whole way through. They were extra bad on Tuesday and yesterday morning I realized I hadn't had a bowel movement since Monday afternoon so as soon as I had a kiwi fruit (the only thing that helps me go) I felt a lot better. Still getting contractions a lot but not as strong as they felt while I was constipated.
I go to my doctor in 7 hours so am going to have her check me. I am terrified she will say I am still too soon to go to the hospital. I just want to get this over with. The exaustion is too much to bear.

mrsdobbie

Oh forgot to mention I will be 41 weeks on Friday.