Contractions

All bruised and swollen from going to the hospital last night. I thought I was having contractions and I was, however, not steady enough for the hospital to keep me. I thought I was going to die. Baby's heart rate was low and steady, they buzzed her twice with no reaction. So the RN started an IV, and told me the baby was "thirsty". Treated me for dehydration and let me go because I was only dialated .5cm. Then my OB sent me back again today to be monitored. I'm over the hospital, I don't really know when it is active labor or false labor. To me, it all feels the same.... PAINFUL & EXHAUSTING!