Question about labor, more specifically contractions

So I'm almost 4cm and 70% effaced. My OB keeps asking me if I'm having contractions and I don't think I am. What I am having is a lot intense tightening. Isn't that braxton hicks? or is that a contraction?

With DD I was induced and got an epi so I really don't know what natural labor or a contraction feels like.

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

that is how my contractions started

eta. and i was induced

Message edited 6/2/2008 9:34:14 PM.

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

Mine started that way too, but became painful fairly quickly afterwards.

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

That's how I was ALL day the day I went into labor. I thought it was BH but looking back I think I was in labor all day and didn't know it. I told my mom at 9 pm, "I've been having BH all day, like every 5 minutes." and she said, "you better start timing them, I really think this is it." Then at 11 pm the contractions REALLY started.

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

REALLY bad menstrual cramps

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

My labor started for for a few days of menstrual like cramps. Then when labor started, it was full on and intense. there was no mistaking it!

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

I have no cramping, just tightening. She's surprised I'm at almost 4 cm with NO pain. She thinks I'm going to start labor very fast and be very far along.

She's making me nervous!!

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

Braxton hicks ARE contractions, just without the pain. I had them my entire pregnancy and moreso the day leading up to my water breaking. They didn't hurt at all. Then the pain came on after the water broke. Ouch!

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

Posted by FireIslandLove
I was in the hospital for monitoring and they almost released me. They did and internal and found I was 5 cm - I had no idea! I got to 8 cm and I only had a bad backache. If your back starts to hurt get to the hospital!

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

The day I had Caden I went to the doctor and I was 5cm and almost fully effaced. We induced b/c he was afraid that if he sent me home I'd never make it to the hospital in time. When they hooked me up at the hospital I was contracting only they werent very strong or anything.

We actually start getting BH from the very beginning of pregnancy. All women have them. Some just dont feel them. It is the bodies way of preparing for labor....Have you tried timing them?

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

Jodi - how are you feeling??

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

Hmm 4cm, 2nd baby. My advice don't wander too far from the hospital!

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

Posted by BabyCote2006

Jodi - how are you feeling??

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

Holy cow - I can't believe you

Come out Jack! When do you want your birthday to be??

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

mine started in the morning as justs tightening. Nothing painful, but I could set a clock to them occuring regularly at 10 minute apart. By the evening they occured more frequent and started to get more intense. the time I got to the hospital the epi could not come soon enough. I was having back labor though...not fun when the contractions came!

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

Posted by Charly

Posted by FireIslandLove
I was in the hospital for monitoring and they almost released me. They did and internal and found I was 5 cm - I had no idea! I got to 8 cm and I only had a bad backache. If your back starts to hurt get to the hospital!

OMG I'm 45 minutes from the hospital and I'd have to wait a while for someone to get to my house to care for DD. This natural labor stuff is so stressful.

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

Posted by missrock

Posted by Charly

Posted by FireIslandLove
I was in the hospital for monitoring and they almost released me. They did and internal and found I was 5 cm - I had no idea! I got to 8 cm and I only had a bad backache. If your back starts to hurt get to the hospital!

OMG I'm 45 minutes from the hospital and I'd have to wait a while for someone to get to my house to care for DD. This natural labor stuff is so stressful.

All the more reason to move back to LI. Your mom or Nat would be a hop skip and jump away (or even me). LOL

GL, cant wait to hear some news!!!!

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

With DD mine started as bad menstrual cramps and I progressed extremly fast. My entire labor from that point to delivery was no more the two hours. I got to the hospital (about 30 mintues from home) at 11:41, DD was born at 11:51--10 minutes. No time for anything!

So if you are far from a hosptial and think you are in labor go b/c you never know.

I'm worried about DS being born in Sept if he will come as fast or faster. I haven't decided if I wan to be induced or not.

Re: Question about labor, more specifically contractions

OMG I haven't been on and thought you would have had the baby by now.

I think you ARE having contractions. But that doesn't really mean anything. I had contractions for a week before Steven was born. Tell her what you feel and what she says. She may hook you up to the monitor to see how strong they are.

Good luck!!!!!