Another Early Labor Q

dogsombrero · May 2014

Hi ladies. I think I might be in early labor but I don't want to go in if it's a false alarm. Had my membranes stripped Tuesday (2cm 50% effaced -1 station) and I lost my MP Thursday at 39w5d.

I've been on and off crampy since the sweep. Today there was an uptick in frequency so I started timing them an they've gotten more frequent about every 10-20 minutes. I'm not in pain so I'm wondering if something is actually happening or if I'm just hopeful. I know nobody can really tell me but if anyone had something similar I'd love to hear about it. Thanks!

mirdamae03 · May 2014

It's definitely possible. You'll know for sure if they get closer and stronger though.

Hallil · May 2014

I wouldn't bother going in until they are five minutes or less between and you are having a hard time talking through them. Anything before that they're likely to send you back home.

dogsombrero · May 2014

I figured the 5-1-1 rule but I keep thinking "For cramps really?!?"

bridetobe9132013 · May 2014

I was really crampy after my sweep last monday too.

mirdamae03 · May 2014

Sweeps will definitely make you crampy, but won't necessarily bring on contractions. You will know when they get a lot closer and more painful that it's time to go in.

dogsombrero · May 2014

Ugh I just want some clear cut sign. Dr even said she felt a contraction while sweeping me but I didn't feel anything more than a cramp.

MrsT2008 · May 2014

Definitely don't bother going in for 10-20 minutes apart, they will send you home. I wouldn't even call the OB for that. Fwiw, with DD, that is how my early labor was. After about 24 hours, they jumped to 4-6 minutes apart.

LunaBug924 · May 2014

This sounds similar to what my early labor was like. Only after 3 hours of contractions every 10 minutes they stopped completely ( or at least I wasn't feeling them). I went about my day and at 5pm my water broke.

So yes, it could be a sign, but I would wait to call. Good luck!

awc1986 · May 2014

Could be. My early labor lasted 30 hours though, so I wouldn't hop in the car just yet. I was told 3-5 minutes apart is when they'll consider taking you in.

dogsombrero · May 2014

I figured I'd just keep an eye on things for now and keep timing them. His movement has been crap today so if I can't get 5 in the hour I'm going in to get checked. He's probably just plotting how to stay indefinitely but better safe than sorry.

awc1986 · May 2014

Babies tend to get quiet just before delivery. They need to save their energy. Do call them though if you're at all worried. Better safe than sorry.

dogsombrero · May 2014

He failed the kick-count miserably so we ended up going in. I'm contracting every 3-5 minutes but it's not doing crap still only 2cm, 80% effaced and -1 station.

They did a NST and BPP and he passed so I got released after 4 hours. I also had the joy of another membrane sweep and I get another NST Tuesday and Friday, if I don't go before that/ he passes the tests I will start an induction Friday night. Here's to hoping these stupid contractions will do their damn job.

IBackBevo · May 2014

I have been cramping and contracting for 2.5 days following a membrane sweep. Regretting it.

hatrats · May 2014

My OB said that the thing about labor is it always gets worse and not better. So if you are not sure, just wait and if it gets worse, you'll eventually figure it out. This somehow made me feel better about the whole, "How will I know???" question.

mrs.cjlange · May 2014

I've literally had early labor symptoms since last Tuesday on/off for days. Last night I almost went in (contractions 4-6 min apart for 3 straight hours), but they were strong and not painful so I decided to wait it out at home. By midnight, they had tapered off in strength and regularity. I was 3cm/80% effaced last week and my next Dr. appt is tomorrow. I've been having weak contractions every 7-10 min all morning, but nothing that feels like "real" labor yet and my water hasn't broken so I'm just hanging in there. The doctor told me not to stray too far from home/hospital because given everything my body has been doing once it's "go time" it could be a very short amount of time until delivery. Every labor is different, I guess. With DD I started having contractions one evening that got progressively stronger and closer together. This time, not so much!

sisterjanet · May 2014

It's good you went in to make sure baby is ok because of the movement, but yeah, I think you wouldn't want to be admitted at this point for labor because then you might be stuck in the hospital for days and days waiting for the contractions to get closer. It's no fun to wait, but waiting at home has to be better than waiting at the hospital.

dogsombrero · May 2014

Passed another NST today I get one more Friday afternoon. They are planning to induce me starting with a foley bulb at 9pm Friday.

apinkpelican · May 2014

Glad u passed the nst @ljbreck. Better safe! At this point @mk1013 I'd take labor or a good poop! Though I am irrationally afraid of not knowing I'm in labor and having a toilet baby which is why I was checking up on this thread. I had back soreness all day and tummy tightening but no major cramping. But I don't really get period cramps so I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I'm hoping I'll know when I know!

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