Cramps or labor ?

Question

This is my first baby, and how do you know when it’s time to go to the hospital? I’m so scared I won’t know I’m in actual labor. I’ve been getting pressure down low I’m my pelvic area and my baby is measuring 6lbs 13oz at 34 weeks already. And getting cramps low in my pelvic area as well. There not super painful but I can deff feel them lol.

Answer

I think the rule of thumb is 5 mins apart lasting 1 minute for 1 hour. In the book I’m reading, they advocate staying home a bit longer if trying to avoid intervention but also said that at that point it should take you at least 10 mins just to get in your car and you won’t be able to talk or focus even in between contractions. Maybe most don’t wait quite that long, but that level of pain sounds pretty unmistakable to me.

Answer

I was given Norco last week because I have a herniated disk. I didnt want them and only ended up taking 1/2 of one. I asked the doctor if I went i to labor and had contractions would it dull them and make it so i didn't know i was in labor. She laughed and said oh no, you'll feel real contractions and it will hurt

Answer

My doctor told me to come in when my contractions are roughly 4-5 mins apart. And consistent. If they are consistent could just be Braxton Hicks.  And definitely if your water breaks.

Answer

Download an app to track contractions. When. You start getting cramps that come and go for a while you'll know. I was tracking consistent contractions for few hours before I called the hospital with my first.

Answer

Download a contraction timer. Real contractions will follow a pattern and increase in frequency and duration. Braxton Hicks contractions won’t be regular and you can usually stop them by changing positions, taking a bath, laying on your left side, or drinking water, ect. If your water breaks call your OB.
Regardless you should talk to your OB on their recommendations on when you should head to the hospital. I live 45 minutes away, so my OB specifically told me to come in when contractions are 10 minutes apart because it’s my second and I live so far. And always remember they get paid the big bucks for a reason, they’re on call for a reason, ect. Always call them if you have questions and they’ll tell you what to do.

Answer

I went when I couldn’t walk through my contractions anymore. They were coming regularly, I was timing them I think they were 3 min apart.  I wasn’t very dilated, but my water broke so they had to admit me. I went from like a 2 to a 6 really fast, then got epidural and took a little bit to get to 10. 
About 12 hours earlier I went to the hospital early and was sent home. I could still walk and talk through the contractions and so they weren’t strong enough to really make any changes in my body, I was like a 1-2 dilated.  
It’s really common to go in too early with you first so don’t worry if you do. There were a TON of women in the waiting room that were not quite in labor yet but couldn’t be admitted.  You will do great!!

Cramps or labor ?

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