To call or not to call?

adamsbabble

The MW on call that is.

This morning I had about 5 contractions in about 30 minutes.  Even though they were frequent and close together, they weren't painful, so I continued to try to get ready for church.  When I got out of the shower I had a few more that were stronger, but still pretty mild and I just felt crampy so I gave up on the idea of making it to church because of how I was feeling, and I ended up taking a nap.  After waking up, we're getting ready to go do the Mother's Day celebrations and I'm still having cramps and having some contractions.  By 6 p.m. they're developing a pattern, but still very mild and not getting any stronger.  This has been going on all evening.  Within the past hour I've had about 5-6 contractions.  If there is a pattern and this kind of thing has been going on for awhile, should I call, even though they're aren't very painful?

Mommy2Max

I personally am not much help with this since I never went into labor with Max, but if it were me I would call just to ease my mind. 

Then again, could they just be BH?  FWIW, my doctor did tell me that unless they got stronger then they weren't too alarming to him.

Klmorgan83

I can't speak from experience because I was induced and didn't go into labor naturally.  But I definitely don't think it won't hurt to call...that's what they are there for!  But my guess is that they might tell you to wait until they are painful...and I think my Dr. said they need to be 5 minutes apart before they wanted to me to come in.  Sounds like it might be the start of something though !

Good luck, hopefully it happens soon!

adamsbabble

They do feel a lot like BH, but slightly more painful.  For BH contractions I was told to call for 5+ in 1 hour, but I don't know if that rule of thumb applies once you are full term.  Seems like it wouldn't matter much at that point.  I was also told no need to wait until they are 5 mins. apart since this is a second baby, I believe it's more like 7-10 minutes. 

And yes, you ladies are right that it doesn't hurt to call... the thing that stops me is that they might say to come on in just for a labor check and then I'm in L&D all night for no reason, lol.

It is SOOO frustrating b/c you think you will know since you've been through it before, but ya really don't.

 

adamsbabble

Okay so I finally got up the nerve to call and I don't have to go in for a labor check (yay!).  She said that even with the contractions developing a pattern and being close together, it could still go either way.  No way of telling unless the contractions start to get really intense.  So I get to go to sleep (and hopefully stay asleep) tonight. 

hav2run

Bummer!  I was hoping this was it for you.  BH contractions suck!  I remember several times sitting there timing painful contractions only to have them stop after several hours.  No fun at all.  The bright side is that your body definitely knows what to do, and it won't be long until they are for real.  I wish you a really good night of sleep.