Laboring in pain at home? I don’t know what to expect

Question

I went to labor and delivery for contractions this morning that were about 3-5 minutes apart. When they checked me I was only a finger tip dilated and they sent me home. That was  super early this morning. The contractions never stopped after I left and never eased up. Now I’m in a lot of pain when I have contractions to the point I want to go back to labor and delivery but I’m worried they will send me home again for no dilation.

Answer

While I have never fallen into normal labor patterns, we teach in birth classes that you shouldn't be able to talk through contractions, they should be 5 minutes apart lasting 1 minute for 1 hour before going in. At that point, it would signal active labor. Buuuuuuuut, the longer you stay home the less likely you are to have interventions.

Answer

You know how your contractions started how they felt...if they feel stronger where you can't walk or talk then yes go! And if they kick u out then just stay in the parking lot to be honest...

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If you’re getting to the point that it’s getting difficult to talk through them I’d definitely head right back, especially if you have any length of a drive to get to the hospital.❤️

Answer

Have you been timing them?

Answer

Have you taken a warm shower yet?

Answer

Go back…you are probably most definitely in labor.

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This happened to me. Best thing is to try and stay calm getting yourself worked up doesn’t help. Try to keep moving, lean against walls, get on all fours, stay comfy which does sound impossible. When the contractions get too much definitely go you’d hate to have a baby in the car etc

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I would go back for sure labor can progress quickly especially if they already knew you were having contractions! The hospital I'm at keeps you for an hour to monitor progress before they'll send you home!

Answer

Oh man. I hate this state of limbo your in. Super common but doesn’t make it any better. I did this with my first too. Once I got the point where I was bleeding; not a lot, but beyond spotting and unable to breath or speak through them I called l&d. I was lucky and able to talk with the same nurse that sent me home, and she told me to come in and promised I wouldn’t be sent home again. Not sure where you are, but is your doctor still open for the day? Can they do a cervix check for you?