Contractions

Sarah&Christoph

With DD I was induced so I never went into labor on my own so I'm a little curious when contractions start are they just like mild period cramps? When did you first start to feel contractions? I just saw the doctor yesterday and everything was going well and she asked if I had been feeling contractions yet I told her no and she said a few would be normal but no more than 5 or 6 a day. Well I woke up this morning and felt a little like I had period cramps, my DH told me to say in bed and sleep a little more and take it easy so that's what I did but I just woke up again with the same feeling. I don't if I've had 5 or 6 since I was asleep but I guess I'm a little worried. I don't want to make a big deal out of it if it's really nothing because I have a toddler to look after and a trip to the hospital would be a big deal if it was for nothing. What's your opinion? TIA

janjag

mine felt like period cramps that got worse and worse, and them closer together. 

i dont' think you are making a "big deal" about it, just call the OB to tell them.  better safe than sorry.  i also hated to call, to avoid L&D trips, but call anyway

finallyreilly

Mine were sudden when I went into labor.  I had been having contractions off and on from 26 weeks on and they were period like cramps.  Every once in awhile they were stronger so that is when I knew to drink lots of water and lay on my side for a couple hours.  I never had more than 6 in an hour after my first trip to L&D early on.

The morning of my csection I went into labor.  I had contractions hard enough that I doubled over and they were about 4 minutes apart.  Thankfully I didn't feel it very long because I had my spinal and csection a short time later.

 Definitely listen to your body.  Take it easy and stay really hydrated.  If they start to get worse or make you nervous call the OB.  It doesn't hurt to call and they would much rather see you now in their office then trying to stop contractions in L&D.