wtf contractions. Help? FTM

stephiesheldork

So last night around 11:30 or so I started having a dull back ache that moved to my lower belly. They were coming around 10-12 minutes apart for about an hour before I went to sleep, they've continued and are still happening and it's now about 6:30. I think they're still coming about that far apart. They last about 30 seconds. But I don't know if it's real labor. Called L&D and they have me the whole "come in when they're 5 minutes apart for an hour" speech. Any ideas if it's real or how to tell? Is there a way I can test it? Or move it along faster?

Soashwifey

I haven't gone through labor yet..or had contractions...but my doctor says If you change positions or activities and drink a lot of water and if you are still having them, then they are real contractions and not BH. Don't think you can do anything to really move them along...just try to relax and take a bath or something! Best of luck to you!

MCraig1484

My labor started in the same way...they say that real labor has consistent contractions, in terms of length and how far apart they are, but mine weren't.
It sounds like you are in early labor, but I would sit tight until you reach 511...I didn't go in until that point and still spent 5 hours in triage trying to get dialated and wish I would have spent more time in the comfort of my own home...good luck mama and try to be patient!

AshleeM7784

Mine started the same way with my first. I woke up at 2:30am with contractions about 10 mins apart. It continued like that all day until around 11pm when they finally picked up to 3-5 mins apart and were more intense and I went to the hospital. My son was born at 8:30 the next morning.

My advice is try to relax and get as much rest as possible. (I know it's easier said than done!) Good luck mama!

samisargent

I had similar contractions last week, and they tapered off. I am assuming these are the type of contractions that have women running into L&D and then get told its 'false labor' before being sent home. I took L&D's advice and I won't be going in unless I have 3-5 minute apart contractions. Hang in there!

sweet+cheeks

Instructions from our child birth class to test if early contractions are true labor contractions:
1: Change in activity (30 min) If you were resting get up and walk, briskly for 30 min. If you were active when you noticed them then sit down and put your feet up for 30 min. If contractions are still regular move on to test 2.
2: Take a warm bath (30 min) Try to keep as much of your body in the warm water as possible. Replenish warm water as needed for the full 30 min. If still having contractions see 3.
3: Drink a large glass of cold water and lay on your left side (30 min). If you are still contracting regularly then they are probably the real deal.

*Just a note though, these tests don't guarantee that you will end up in active labor. This pregnancy I have had several rounds of "real" contractions that passed all of the tests above but simple faded away after hours of contracting.

As far as moving things along. If it is night time and you can sleep, sleep. You will need your rest. If you can sleep through a contraction then it is probably not worth staying up and timing. If it is daytime go for a walk. Good luck!

stephiesheldork

So some updates: it's about 9:30. they're lasting about 40 seconds now and are ranging between 5:30 to 10 minutes apart. My husband and family and inlaws are all convinced this is it, but can they really be THAT irregular?

stephiesheldork

And they stopped. Of course..

sweet+cheeks

Sorry to hear that hun. I know that can be disappointing. Fingers crossed that it was just a warmup and the real deal will get underway soon.

kim1228

Such a bummer they stopped!! I'd be so excited, and then, yeah, let down

 I've been getting bad BH contractions, but totally un-timeable--just feels like constant miserable period cramps I get them fora couple days almost non stop, then nothing. My dr said I'll certainly know when its the real deal. 

I was really hoping he'd come early, its my sister's birthday today and I think it'd be so fun for them to share a birthday! 

Lbettilyon

I had contractions like that last thursday at 40w2d and thought for sure it was progressing. I had about 6 hours 8 minutes apart and then they kind of stalled out. I've had 5 days of contractions on and off. That probably doesn't make you feel better, but I'm hoping that it has all helped for when I get induced tomorrow!