STM+: Regular rectal pressure = labor???? (kinda long)

vivi85 · January 2013

Hey guys...need some advice here.

I'm 39 weeks and 1 day...had my prenatal appointment today and I am 2-2.5 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and head is "super low"...my doctor also did a membrane sweep (second one) and 2-3 hours later I've been having on and off pressure on my rectum and having period-like cramps (The pressure would be on my rectum and lower back and sort of radiates to my pelvis). Some I can talk through, some I needed to breathe through, but totally bearable. Walking it off didn't help. Thought I needed to have a poop (sorry TMI) but nothing. This happened for about an hour so I decided to time them. They've been averaging 40-50 seconds in duration and 5-6 minutes apart. I've been timing these for about 2 hours now.

COULD THIS BE LABOR?!?!?!?

I'm in denial because I can totally bear through this...I'd feel awfully dumb if I went into the hospital with my bags and not progressing from 2cm. Anyone else have this???

lcunningham · January 2013

It may be. I never went into labor on my own so I am really of no help. Can you call the after hours number for your OB?

Starfish02807 · January 2013

Yes that sounds exactly like my labor experience with my first born. The contractions didn't start as painful, it wasn't until 8 cm that things got painful. I think you are in labor.
Good luck

JennV514 · January 2013

Call your doctor.

TexasMom7137 · January 2013

Could be. When I went into labor with DS the contractions were uncomfortable but not overly painful. I would call your OB.

Allycat11 · January 2013

JennV514:
Call your doctor.

Yep. I am pretty sure I should just copy and paste that phrase all day.

sbevmc09 · January 2013

Yeah, definitely could be. When did your doctor want you to call them? If they want a call or for you to head to the hospital at 5-1-1 I'd probably call them now. If you're hoping to stay home longer you may still want to call, but wait and see what happens. Just depends on what instructions they've given you.

vivi85 · January 2013

Thanks guys...ya I'm suppose to follow the 511 rule and now they're getting further apart 67 minutes now and I can still talk through them. I'll give it another hour and then head in