I've seen 2 doctors at my location and one said if I can't talk through contractions to call. The other doctor - I guess "my" doctor hasn't given me any guidelines really and so I'm just curious. I've had quite a few contractions today and I'm certain they aren't braxton hicks because I'm feeling them across my lower back and in my abdomen - it's very low and feels like really bad period cramps. I thought the rule of thumb was 5 in an hour but not sure.
When I described them to the doctor who recommened me calling only if I can't talk through the contractions he said they were probably braxton hicks. I'm drinking a ton of water right now - so I will see if that makes a difference but was just curious what your doctor says as rule of thumb of when to call. I haven't been super impressed with my doctor's office at this point so I was hoping some others had better advice.
The back pain is definitely like the back labor I felt with DS which I know isn't uncommon but it's sporadic, as in it isn't like a sore back feeling that lasts - it's a contraction feeling. Sorry I probably am not describing this very well but I feel like I did when I was about to start my period - the low back pain, and the crampiness in the lower abdomen.
Re: When does your doctor say to call?
Our doctor said that if they don't stop when you drink water, put your feet up and/or change positions then to call just to be sure.
After 34 weeks stay home until you are having contractions in the 5-1-1 scenario. 5 contractions lasting 1 minute a piece from start to start in 1 hour.
I would have to second this. Better to be very cautious at this stage of the game.
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After 36 weeks the rule of thumb is 5:1:1 - contrax 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each over a 1 hour period.
Earlier than that feeling different than BH and accompanied with back pain, I'd call.
big brothers 12.2009 and 02.2012
I had the same thing happen a few weeks ago. They didn't go away with movement, water, or anything else, so I called after about an hour. My Dr. said that was the right thing to do...and sent me to L&D for monitoring.
They usually happen randomly, like I will feel a few throughout the day- 3 or 4 tops. But today, they were coming more often during lunch when H and I went to eat. I've been drinking water though and moving around, etc. and haven't noticed an increase, but I've still felt a few. I need to probably rest and lay down but that won't happen until after I pick up DS from school in a few hours so I'm just going to pay attention to the time when one happens again and go from there.
I know a few of them lasted about 2 minutes or so - hard to tell exactly since my phone doesn't have a second hand or a timer on it (that I have found) so I need to pay more attention. Thanks for the info. though - I'm hoping the back pain was from his positioning more than anything, because he's been moving quite a bit and was moving during the contraction which was even more uncomfortable. Thanks again!
I would have called already, I have a fear of PTL and would want to be checked out at L&D. So if they are real contractions they can try to stop them. I would rather them tell me it is BH than it be to late, when your doctor finally sends you.
GL
I told my OB I was having BH and she said if its more then 6 in an hour to call her. (for now)
The other night I was awake for an hour or so with really bad back cramps. I have no idea if they were contractions but they sure sounded a lot like them based on what I had been reading, except I feel like there weren't breaks between them or anything, more like menstrual cramps in that they might sometimes hurt more than others but they don't fade really. ... Is that still contractions? If so, I would have no idea how to time when they start and end.
Anyhow, when I spoke to my physician's assistant about it she said at my gestation (31 weeks) to call if you can't sleep thru the pain or if it goes on for several hours.
DD #1: 2012; MMC: 2014; DD #2: 2015; It's a boy! 3/31/2018