Is this early labor? What do I do now?!

[C-Momma]

At some point this (early) afternoon I started noticing some contractions and abundant discharge (water didn't break). I paced around the house for a bit, called my dh to let him know what was happening and updated the midwife. My mom picked me up and we went shopping for some last minute things I needed for the birth (towels, wash cloths, herbs, etc...) While shopping, contractions increased and came about every 4 min for more than an hour. Intensity was increasing as well. They tapered off and slowed down once we stopped walking, but continued sporadically. It's been hours since the shopping and the ctx continue...I stopped timing them to keep myself from going crazy...The midwife is standing by but I'm fully aware this could take a looong time.

Dh is scheduled to work 11 hours tomorrow, leaving me alone with our 3 year old. Should he consider calling out? Should he be scrubbing my floors right now and finishing up the grocery shopping while I attempt to sleep through the cramps?! I just don't want to run him ragged if we still have time.

Does this sound like "it"?!

I'm a ball of excitement and worry...this has been SO exhausting and the thought of enduring this for days is frightening.

Some of the ctx are radiating pain through my entire back, hips and even into my thighs. I never experienced this with my son. Would a heating pad help alleviate some of that discomfort?

Thanks for reading my ramblings.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I might be wrong but I am thinking back labor has to do with baby facing the wrong way. Hands and knees can help the lo shift so that you are no longer hurting in your back. Good luck

[ms.nedhari]

is it labor?

It definitely sounds like you are in early labor. I would tell your dH to be on stand-by maybe have him call and let them know that he may have to leave early. Is there anyone else that could be there with you? Your mom? Actually, tell him to stay at home especially if the contractions are uncomfortable. Did you try a warm bath for some relief? If you have cramp bark that could relieve some of the erratic contractions. Congratulations.

[josie423]

I hope everything is going well for you!

[beckyand3littlemonsters]

it sounds like labour to me, i hope everything goes well for you