Contractions - Gradual or Spontaneous?

EmeraldSea

I am 39+2 with my second baby. My first was born via C at 35+5 because of low amniotic fluid and being breech. So, this is technically my first "ninth month" since baby was a month early last time.

I am trying for a VBAC but have a back up C section date scheduled. With my first, I remember being in the hospital and the nurse asking me if I was feeling contractions and I said no (because baby was a month early) and she was in shock, moved the monitor into my view and pointed out I was having very consistent four minute apart contractions and had been since they hooked me up. I didn't feel any of them!

In order to have a VBAC I must go into labor naturally (my doc won't induce). My question is, is it move common to fell contractions build up gradually or do you all the sudden start feeling them strongly? I am sure it is different for everyone but everytime I feel what I think is a contraction, I don't feel another one for hours upon hours later.

As you can tell, I am very much in a hurry up and wait mode and it's driving me bananas.

mrstrax

Mine were gradual until my water was broken (at the hospital) at which point they intensified A LOT since there wasn't all that fluid to act as a buffer. 

smushi

I've been monitored quite a few times this pregnancy, and each time they have seen contractions that I'm not feeling (pain wise).  When I went into labor with my first, my pain level gradually increased.  In the morning the contractions were annoying (some period pain/upset tummy pain is how I'd describe it for me).  By the afternoon when we got to the hospital, they were very difficult to manage.

oceanchild

my second babe was an induction, but with both my first and third, i did not feel a single contraction the day i went into labor, i woke up in the middle of the night with my water breaking, and then intense contractions started. i have had very fast labors with my first three (hoping for the same this last time)!

SarahChristine12

My first child contractions were gradual, but with my last three kids contractions started very strong and consistent (5 minutes apart)and increased pretty quickly in intensity.

Bigboobsmcgee

Contractions with my second child came on very strong and there was no denying they were the real thing as opposed to Braxton Hicks. They didn't ease up and could be timed. They also increased with intensity very quickly and became unbearable.

2-Step

When I had my first I was having pretty painful contractions about 5-6 minutes apart. When they hooked me up to the monitor they were registering as 2 minutes apart, but I wasn't feeling the ones in-between. I think gradual is normal and you won't always feel the ones they pick up on the monitor. With my first the very first painful contraction I had was the beginning of my timeable contractions and, although labor progressed very slowly, they eventually progressed to active labor by the next day without stopping. This time around I've been having bouts of painful contractions off and on for about a week. I'll have 2-3 hours of mild to moderately painful contractions that are about 5-6 minutes apart and then they will stop for a day or two. Sometimes I will have one and not another for hours.They are not the unbearable active labor type contractions, but they are painful enough that I don't want to go anywhere or do anything but breathe through them. So, yes, it is very common for contractions to be gradual or not progress things for days or even weeks. Your body is preparing itself for labor, but it is much more drawn out for some people than others.  

cMichelle0423

With my first labor, contractions were spontaneous. One minute I was trying to fall asleep, then the next I was having my first real contraction. With my second I was induced. Now with my third Ive been having lots of random irregular contractions on top of Braxton hicks contractions. I've also been experiencing some cramping which my midwife mentioned would eventually turn into full blown contractions/labor. 

meg_2006

Mine came on suddenly. I layed down to go to bed and immediately felt very strong period cramps that were 10 minutes part. Over time my stomach also started morphing into a cone shape with each one. 

My OB said Braxton hicks (which is what you're having on the monitor) only involve some muscles, whereas contractions for delivery involve ALL the muscles.

2winterbabies

Mine were gradual both times. I had to be induced with my first so those were definitely gradual.

DD was born exactly 2 months ago and I went into spontaneous labor. At first I started to get period like cramps. Like real bad ones. Then they gradually started to get painful

dramaphile

Mine were somewhat gradual.  They were stronger and more painful than BH and started every ten minutes apart, and then gradually got stronger and closer together.  My water did not break until I was in transition. 

Daniep08

Last pregnancy when I went into labor on my own I had contractions off and on all day, but I noticed immediately when they became the real thing even though they really weren't painful for me. The real ones are serious and engage what feels like every muscle and you eventually can't talk or walk through them. You'll know!