Is this labor or what?

[*Melissa*]

I've been having contractions for about 10 hours now. They're regular... every 10-15 minutes, and tolerable, mild. They're just not getting better, worse or anything.

I don't know what to make of it!?! With DS1, labor was pretty intense, or at least I knew for sure I was in labor. And it was over in 18 hours. I'm getting the feeling that this could drag on for quite a while... and am I even going to get my baby out of it soon? I dont' know what to make of this?

Thoughts?

[Shanana]

It could be "prodromal labor" or it could be "real labor". How's that for an answer?

I had hard, regular contractions for many hours with dd1 that were not technically causing "cervical change" (per my doula who used to be a midwife and was doing VEs for me), so she called it prodromal labor. It was painful and frustrating. In my case, I think it was due to dd being posterior and acynclitic (tipped head) so there wasn't consistent pressure on my cervix, and I also had scar tissue on my cervix.

With this baby I had sporadic, easy contractions for about 10 hours (starting about 2 hours after my water broke) before things settled into a pattern of 10 min apart for about 2 hours, then 5 min apart for about an hour, then 3 min apart and then soon after, baby!

Although I was doubtful at the time, I realize in hindsight that the early, easy labor really was doing things. Once my body kicked into gear, things went really fast (I would say just over 2 hours of what I consider to be "active" labor)! And only about the last 12 minutes really kicked my butt. The rest was totally manageable. So here's hoping for a similar experience for you!

[art_teachermommy]

my suggestion to you...drink lots of water and make sure you are well hydrated and rest while you can so you can have lots of energy for the not so mild ones.
It will happen! Your body is just doing some work and getting ready for everything.
Good luck

[K's Mom!]

How are you feeling now? You think its still labor? ELV's to you if it is. :