I think it's almost time!

This weekend I've gone to L&D twice for true contractions happening every 4-6 minutes, but each time I was sent home b/c they still weren't strong enough to do much (I'm only 1 cm dilated and 75% effaced). I know the time is so close, b/c of other symptoms (lightening, bloody show, loose bowels, etc.), but it's also a little frustrating b/c the frequency of my contractions is there, but the intensity is not (I think they're intense, but these are my first babies, and I have no idea what to expect! ) Anyway, I'm so excited to be at this point, especially after getting off bedrest and around the clock turbuatline this past Friday, and even though it's still a little early, I feel good about seeing these babies any day now.

Here's a question - how intense do contractions get before I can go back? The nurses have told me that once I have to stop talking through them and concentrate on breathing to get through them, that's what I'm looking for. But, the contractions I've been having have been very crampy and uncomfortable...I suppose I can talk through them, but I prefer not to. Will they just noticably get a lot worse? I'm so naive with all of this!

 

Hi Kristen!

Sounds like you are getting really close to seeing your babies! Congratulations on making it so far! As far as the contractions go....if you have had period cramps, they feel just like that only MUCH stronger! But, I wouldn't wait too long if you are having some strong ones. Labor varies so much from person to person! Some people barely have any pain(grrrrr!), while others(like me!)had very obvious pain with contractions! As always, better to be safe than sorry, so go in if you think things are changing. Good luck! I can't wait to read your story and welcome you to FY!!! :hug99:

 

You're almost there!!! Okay, when you really can't talk through them is what the nurse means, you have to put all your focus into breathing and staying relaxed and calm during a contraction is when they want you back in. That being sad, I'd call your doctor, maybe they'd want to see you and maybe they will suggest something.

Hugs
Jen

 

Mine never were too intense. I would just trust your instinct and go in in you feel like you need to. When I went in I was already 6cm. So don't let them tell you that bc I could talk through my contractions and I was actually eating dinner. The only reason I called my OB was bc my legs were so crampy. Good Luck to you....I hope you have a good delivery! See ya in FY!!!!!!!

 

Wishing you and your family all the best!

 

Thank you all so much! I really appreciate the advice and encouragement...I'll let you know what happens!

 

Best wishes for an uneventful and speedy delivery!!! :hug99:

 

I went through the exact same thing, almost every morning I woke up thinking I was in labor. I was induced at 37 weeks and never dialated and end up with a section. So all I can say is that the contrax I had at the hospital were a LOT worse and they still weren't doing anything. So I wish I had some better advice but I never really experienced hard labor(these were also my firsts). Good Luck I know the anticipation is horrible. :hug99:

 

Congrats you're almost there!!!!
I CAN't wait to meet them!!!

 

Well...we're sort of in the same boat except I really hope to wait another 2 weeks. I have been to L&D for NST's and they keep me longer because I have contractions every 4-6 minutes. They go away for a time - then come back. I have at least 2 hours a day of these consistent STRONG contractions. I've had a baby before and while I do think that these contractions are helping my cervix along...I don't think they are the real thing. I have some so strong that I have to breath through them and like you, prefer not to talk but there is something distinctly different about labor contractions and the pain that comes with them. All I know is that you'll know. I have heard of people like the previous poster who say they don't feel much but just go in because they are regular but it's rare. I think labor is a different type of pain that you can't miss.

Best wishes!

 

QUOTE(pink and blue mom @ Aug 27 2007, 09:13 AM) [snapback]381566[/snapback]
Mine never were too intense. I would just trust your instinct and go in in you feel like you need to. When I went in I was already 6cm. So don't let them tell you that bc I could talk through my contractions and I was actually eating dinner. The only reason I called my OB was bc my legs were so crampy. Good Luck to you....I hope you have a good delivery! See ya in FY!!!!!!!


I agree with this. I know too many women who were 9 cm dilated when they arrived at the hospital b/c their ctx never were that intense. And for twins, I think you want to get there well before 9 cm!

Best of luck to you. Can't wait to read your birth story!

 

QUOTE
Mine never were too intense. I would just trust your instinct and go in in you feel like you need to. When I went in I was already 6cm. So don't let them tell you that bc I could talk through my contractions


Ditto that!!! I just felt crampy. I could totally talk through mine. I didn't feel well too though...with the twins I was 50% and 5cm when I got to the hospital, I couldn't believe that bc I remember telling the nurse I was probably just wasting their time being there...I didn't think I was in enough pain. I just had this feeling it was more that time than the bizillion other times I had so many contrax!!

Good luck!