Real or BH contractions?

mrscountry527

So I've been having what I considered BH contractions but they are effective and I'm dilating and thinning. Which got me thinking, how far can you dilate and thin with contractions that don't hurt or even increase in intensity? I mean I can obviously notice them. When are considered to be in "labor"? I have days where I contract for 45-60sec every 3mins, then days where I contract only once or twice an hour. If these contractions I've been feeling are effective at progressing me, then will they really get stronger when I'm in true labor? I'm so anxious for baby to get here that I interpret everything as a sign of impending labor-lol!

mom2b_09

Are you just tightening or do you feel a cramp in your gut as well?  It sounds like BH to me (sorry).  Contractions with real labor are really intense and do not slow down.

DBride2006

I think the general rule is that if you have to ask, they probably aren't "real." I was having contractions every 3 minutes when I went into labor with DS, but I couldn't feel them. I was having a NST and the nurses told me that's what was happening. I didnt' feel a SINGLE contraction until I was dilated to 4. Other people walk around for weeks dilated to 4. 

My doctor says when you can't talk through a contraction and they are regular and not slowing down, it's probably time.  

J&JSuiter070205

I was 3cm dilated 75% effaced with my son when I was induced at 40w 3d... I'd been like that for over 2 weeks. I had mild BH contractions but nothing painful. However, in this pregnancy (#3) I'm 36w, only a fingertip dilated as of Wednesday and I've had lots of uncomfortable, almost painful BH's.