Contractions - are they "real"?

[mysonshine]

Is it possible to still be having "real" ctx (vs BH) and not feel them?
Last night I was having ctx every 7 minutes (for a couple hours). When I laid down to see what happens I didn't feel them but as soon as I sat up, they were back. They did eventually taper off before I went to bed. But could I still have been having them and not know?

Today they've been about 10 minutes apart. I'm sitting at work so I can't lay down to see what happens.

This is just confusing and frustrating to have some every day for hours and then they go away when I go to bed!

[In Exile]

I hear you! I am having contractions all day long, but not pattern whatsoever, but there are definitely painful and screw up your days. I wonder if I am the kind of woman that will never get the "pattern" anyway, but it somehow sucks to be in pain half of the day- especially thinking that this could go on for another 3 weeks like that!

[Doula Gina]

Remember to drink tons of water (dry body=irritating contractions) and keep your mind elsewhere. Labor won't happen without you noticing! And all of these contractions are gearing your body up for labor even if there are no obvious cervical changes. Your uterus has oxytocin receptor sites all over it, and each early / practice / "non-labor" (<--hooey!) contraction makes more oxytocin receptor sites to allow your hormones to work well, and your uterus to make coordinated movements when it's time to open up and let the baby out.

I know how this feels (BTDT a couple times)...it will be over and you'll have fun baby soon. Enjoy the full use of both arms and a 6-hour stretch of sleep if you can.

Best wishes!