How long should I wait before going to hospital

[OceansEve]

Okay, so how long can/should I wait with ctx 3:30 min apart. I don't feel like I'm in labor even though most of these really don't feel like BH. How long can this go on without turning risky. Yes, I do say risky because I am a 16 month VBAC. They've never stayed this consistant. When should I head out?? I really don't want to go if this isn't labor so how long would you stick it out?

[MsElle07]

When the contractions start getting strong enough to where you really really have to focus to stay on top of them. I wouldn't worry so much about the time factor.

[danotoyou2]

Mine were 3 minutes apart when labor started... it lasted 3 days. I think a much better gauge is when they're really strong. And, I was a 17 month VBAC.

I would wait until they were really intense. If you can check your cervix yourself, I'd do that too.

[BirthIsAwesome]

When they're two-three minutes apart and a minute+ long. And when you can't talk through them and each contraction demands your focused attention. Especially with a VBAC, it's safer and less risky to be at home as long as possible before going to the hospital. When you get there, you may have to fight (for no IV, no monitor, free labor positioning, bath/shower ect.) and you're stress level will probably be up, so it'll be better to be in the latter part of labor. Take a hot bath, take a nap, take a brisk walk, do some squats, eat/drink, and see how you feel.

Are you comfortable with checking yourself for dilation? It doesn't gurantee anything, but if you're at 6+ centimeters and you're having consistent contractions, it's likely real labor. And trust yourself. You'll know when you need to be in your safe spot for birth.

Here's to an awesome and happy birth! Good luck! And keep us updated please!

[OceansEve]

LOL! Check myself, tried that a week or so ago... I'm a wee bit too big to be successful and DH feels too uncomfortable to help.

I'm just expecting that Aha! moment where it becomes obvious I need to go, you know? But we have an ice storm starting tonight that is supposed to last through wednesday, so I'm afraid to wait too long, the hospital is already 30 min away and every route to get there has at least one bridge, oh crap I hadn't even thought about that till now, the 30 min way is half elevated highway : I'm gonna have to totally rethink my route if this really happens this week.

Thanks for the responses, I'll wait till I wanna cry and scream obscene things through all of them not just some

[mrsbrunette]

i labored all day at home with ctx 5 minutes apart, sometimes less or more. i didnt go in until that night and had baby 2 hours after i checked in. i wouldnt go in until walking through them is out of the question. but that is just me. ive only had one baby so far so maybe every experience is different. good luck!!

[SublimeBirthGirl]

Contraction timing doesn't really matter; your emotional signs are more important. Typically if you can still pos here it is probably too soon.

[OceansEve]

They spaced out close to 1 AM this morning, still happening but not regular anymore. I don't care if prodromal labor is "useful" - it sucks . I swear she better pop out with hardly any fuss when it comes down to it.

Posting on here is easy when you get DP to get you logged on and all you have to do is type a few lines .

One more Q - Anyone have a warm sensation in their pelvic ligaments during ctxs? I felt like my pubic symphisis and coccyx were on fire part of last night. It felt like I put Icy hot on. I'm sure its related to hormones and loosening and all that, but is there anyone else who really noticed that or am I just wierd?