How do I know if I'm having contractions?

First of all, congratulations on the fact that you're 38 weeks plus along and you're nearing the end and that's so exciting. You mentioned that you've had some contractions over the past weeks but you went to your doctor's appointment and you're only a fingertip and I'm guessing you were pretty disappointed by that. This is really normal especially on your first baby. There are a lot of things to take into consideration. The first thing being that it takes really painful regular contractions in most cases to change your cervix. The definition of labor is not just contractions alone, a lot of people say I was in labor for five days, they think that just because they were contracting they were in labor but that's not the case. Labor is actually cervical change. This is also why a lot of first time moms get sent home from the hospital at least once before they have their baby. Because you don't quite know how labor is going to feel yet. You have probably the most intense pain you've had in your life and you go into the hospital and you're sorely disappointed when the nurse checks you and tells you you're only one centimeter and perhaps you might get sent home. This happens all the time. There are a couple of key things to remember. First of all, intensity and frequency are key so it's best to wait until your contractions are about two to four minutes apart and they've been doing that for at least two hours and they're intense, before you go to the hospital. This will increase the chances of your cervix changing from those contractions. However, keep in mind that if at any time you're not feeling your baby move during these contractions or moving less than usual, if you have bleeding, if you feel like your water broke, those are all reasons to go in sooner even if you're not having regular contractions. But if all else is well, your baby is moving, you don't feel like your water is broken, you're not bleeding, then you can stay at home and wait until your contractions are two to four minutes apart and they've been regular and intense for at least two hours before going in. Like I said, this will increase the chances of your cervix actually changing from them. When you go into the hospital the nurse will check your cervix, shut the door, cross her fingers, tell you to work hard, come back an hour later and if your cervix has changed that means you're in labor and you get to stay. That's kind of how it goes. We need to see proof that your body is ready to do this thing before we admit you to the hospital. Until then your body might do some irregular regular contracting which is probably what you've been experiencing. This is still good. Your cervix has to be primed a little bit. Your body releases prostaglandins. Those are hormones that act on the cervix and get it to soften, move forward in your pelvis, and thin out a little bit. The dilation part kind of comes once you start to have the intense frequent contractions. That priming work has to be done first. Those irregular regular contractions you've been having are probably still doing some good as well. Good luck with everything. I hope this information is helpful and if you have any other questions for me feel free to ask them on our Facebook page and recommend us to your friends and family too. Congratulations ahead of time.

[ksilas]

I never had painful contractions, but what I had was constant, regular braxton hicks type contractions with pressure in my lower abdomen, it felt like the baby was coming down. When I went to the hospital, the doctor told me I was 4 centimeters dilated and he had a lot of blood on his hands, I wasn't even bleeding before .Every woman and every pregnancy is different.

[Jabx]

So the answer, if you squint and read between the lines, is: if the sensation you’re having, is consistent, occurring approx every 4 minutes apart. Don’t think she mentioned this, but each one lasting a minute, and it all happening for at least an hour is key too.

[samanthaopiela]

I was 4 cm dilated and 80%effaced on weds and no noticeable contractions at all. I just want to know what they are like, etc. :< I'm so frustrated.

[samantanicol]

sure this is the real thing after 3 days of labor, finally getting strong contractions,
not gentle small wave like contractions that l had, now i'm scared
l wanted a home birth, but my husband says he can't bear the thought of something happening and him feeling helpless without doctors present, so l have no idea what will transpire in a few hours ??? if we"ll go to the hospital so he feels comfortable.

[pohutukawajay]

This does not answer the question "how do i know if I'm having contractions". It jumps straight into labour contractions and how to know when to go hospital. Please change misleading title before i flag it!!

[lorendean]

I had frequent contractions for 5 days. 😫😭 I went to hospital in/out bc 2cm only. They gave me morphine to reduce the pain. I cant tolerate the pain. Very intense. Sleepless for 5days. Contractions like every 10-15mins to 2-5mins for 5days straight. I tried warm shower didnt help, warm bath didn't help, morphine 3x didnt help, yoga ball plus watching all breathing techniques didnt help at all..it was so horrible!!! I asked to do C-SECTION but they wont do it. They want me to do it on the 5th day, it was 3.5 cm and they admitted me to induced still with a lot of pain!!!?

[aishagranger]

Does answer the question "How do I know I'm having contractions?"

[Journey-TV]

She looks like tge woman from ghost whisper

[ItamiAkuma]

Im full term today and 2 days ago i went to get checked. 6cm open and 80% erased... But i never felt any contractions/pain/pression... You didn't awnser the question :/

[priscillaharris]

Hey, my name is Priscilla. So I am currently 30 weeks and 2-3days with a little Girl and I lost my mucus plug during intercourse last night (the 4th), how do I know when I'm going into labor and the difference between contractions and Braxton hicks

[grumpynoodlejen]

Hello I'm 27 weeks along how do I know the difference between leaking fluid and urine?

[STARBURST]

What if you're getting and epidural? Shouldn't you go in sooner that just 2 minutes apart?

[yaaarii]

38 weeks can i have contractions or its just a braxton kicks?

[beze]

These comments are killing me 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[isaacthatsyourboi]

I am 37 weeks and I keep have braxton hookup and it is painful so it must be like hell

[alexanderleteu]

what if its like 5-10 minutes far apart ? or does it have to be 2mins apart ?

[uniquelysasha]

I am 32 weeks pregnant. I am having flu like cramping with hard pressure but no fever. I also can't hold any food down even with my prescribed medication. What does that mean?

[sairasimonsairasimon]

This is what happening to me i dnt knw weather it gona pain in pubic bone too?