So this is normal?

[GuavaGirl]

So this is normal?

Since Wednesday I've been having contraction sessions that make me think that labor might be starting...and then they eventually stop. Last night they were about 15 minutes apart for about 2 hours, and I could feel them in the front and back, and couldn't talk through them too easily. I thought, "this has to be the start of labor."

This is crazy! I feel like by the time I'm actually in labor, I'll be in denial about. I just didn't realize this could go on for so long. Plus, it makes me kind of afraid when I leave the house, always wondering if my water will break in public, or if I'll get stuck somewhere having intense contractions and can't get a hold of anyone.

[AustinKate]

I don't know if my reply will be much help, since I'm also pregnant with my first...but I'm experiencing the same thing. Last night I had about 4 hours of contractions spaced 7 to 10 minutes apart, lasting anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute, and I was sure they would turn into the real thing. But, they just faded away. My friends who have had babies tell me that they had a few days of what you and I have been experiencing before labor starts in earnest, so my sense is that it absolutely is normal, and leading up to actual labor. Good luck!

[PseudoDiva]

Oh ladies, I totally feel your pain! This is my first baby, but I've been having issues with this for weeks now. Today is my due date, and yesterday I spent the whole day cramping up! DH and I tried to encourage it in every way we could, but no dice.

I think when real labor starts, we will know! Our bodies will send the right cues. I count every rush as a blessing because it brings my baby closer and just paves the way for things to go smoothly and quickly! Everyone I've talked to who's had this issue ends up having fast births.

[GuavaGirl]

diva: yeah I've heard about the fast labor thing too. That's an encouraging point.

[theretohere]

Another normal vote. This is my third baby, and I've been having sessions like that for the last 3 weeks. Eventually they won't stop and you'll have a baby to hold!

[Tenk]

There is a technical term for what your going thru, it's called Prodromal labor, and while it will eventaully turn into more, it can go on for weeks. With my 5th delivery I had prodromal labor from 35 weeks until I delivered at 38 weeks.

Of course you could start with this and end up with a baby, and not have to do it for days or weeks like I did. Don't forget though, this was my 5th baby.

Good luck ladies, I hope you babies come soon!!!

[GuavaGirl]

Tenk: Thanks. I'm having trouble understanding the difference between "braxton-hicks contractions" and "prodromal labor." Is it just that BH are just tightening, but not painful...while prodromal labor can be painful and also can be working to dilate the cervix?

[jabeen]

i found these links on prodromal labor to be helpful:
http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/a...abor/index.php
http://www.birthingnaturally.net/birth/plabor.html

[basje]

I ended up having a pretty fast labor (contractions started at 4pm I was pushing by 10:30) but didn't have any BH. I wasn't sure at first if it was labor or the real thing. When they started at 4pm I was in a meeting with legal aid, and then I took the bus directly home (I stood and grabbed onto the pole while having contractions, the other bus passingers must have thought I was a crazy person). When I got home at five they were still 5-12 minutes a part, so I on my doula's advice, took a bath and had a beer to see if "I could make them go away." After 40 minutes, still coming I determined that it was in fact the real deal and was holding my baby that night.

If your BH are so strong that you have trouble talking through them, likely when you get them you will want to go home so you can comfort yourself better. If you water breaks in public, I don't think it's anything to be ashamed of, it anything people around you will be excited for you or it will bring up their nervousness about birth "get that lady to a hospital!." If you're worried about the drippy mess, pack some depends in your purse and where ever you are you can go to the bathroom and slip them on until you get home.

[aramat]

Has anyone here tried a chiro for prodromal labor?

[leila1213]

Originally Posted by aramat

Has anyone here tried a chiro for prodromal labor?

I haven't asked her specifically about resolving the prodromal labor for me, but I've been going for adjustments every 1-2 weeks and always mention that I have lots of contractions. She's never said anything about being able to help them. But maybe if I kept better track, I might see a pattern of them subsiding after adjustments and getting worse before I go back in?? I'm probably going in tonight or tomorrow, so I'll see if it makes a difference.

[aramat]

Originally Posted by leila1213

I haven't asked her specifically about resolving the prodromal labor for me, but I've been going for adjustments every 1-2 weeks and always mention that I have lots of contractions. She's never said anything about being able to help them. But maybe if I kept better track, I might see a pattern of them subsiding after adjustments and getting worse before I go back in?? I'm probably going in tonight or tomorrow, so I'll see if it makes a difference.

Does she do Webster's? Just wondering in case the prodromal is related to baby trying to get into position.

[HappiLeigh]

Originally Posted by GuavaGirl

Tenk: Thanks. I'm having trouble understanding the difference between "braxton-hicks contractions" and "prodromal labor." Is it just that BH are just tightening, but not painful...while prodromal labor can be painful and also can be working to dilate the cervix?

Some people think the term "braxton-hicks contractions" should be tossed out simply because *all* contractions have the possibility of opening the cervix. Just because they aren't painful doesn't mean they aren't productive, and just because they are painful doesn't mean they are productive, KWIM? I'm also in your boat of having repeated, painful contractions over periods of time, but then they stop. This did not happen to me the first time, so I keep getting my hopes up. I'm trying to just tell myself that they are helping do the work now, and I'm hoping for a short labor once the real day arrives. Good luck!

[leila1213]

Originally Posted by aramat

Does she do Webster's? Just wondering in case the prodromal is related to baby trying to get into position.

Yes, she does do Webster's. I went today and again told her I'm having tons of prelabor. Her only comment was 'oh good, that means it will be quick'.*Shrug*

[Dov'sMom]

Well, just for fun, I had tons of prelabor with my second son and it was still 24 hours from when I went into labor "for real" and when he was born.

Have been having tons of strong, frequently regular and somewhat painful BH (because no back pain) for weeks and my cervix has been holding steady at 1 cm dilated, not effaced, and still fairly firm for the two weeks they've been checking.

So I'm figuring this one will not go terribly quickly, but I guess you never really know...