Is this the start of labor?

Question

I'm a FTM at 39 wks and 1d and took castor oil last night because I'm just so uncomfortable and ready for this LO to be here! I had diarrhea and GI cramping most of the night. Today I'm having pretty painful cramps (no longer GI cramps and diarrhea). If I walk around they feel like a stitch in your side from exercise or really bad period cramps. Also feels like there's more pelvic pressure, pelvis symphysis pain and stretching, lightening crotch when I stand up making me have to waddle. My water hasn't broken. I'm timing the cramps (I don't know if I can call them contractions because I can usually talk through them and they make my tummy tight, but not always ridiculously so) and they're inconsistent--anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes long with 2-20 minutes interval between them. Sometimes they start to have a regular pattern, but then they'll stop. Am I in early labor or false labor that may subside? Should I call my Obgyn at this point?

Answer

Sounds more like you're having a bad reaction to the oil which was a horrible idea

Answer

Try eating and taking a shower and laying down. Unfortunately with castor oil, it may or or just give you cramps.

Answer

This sounds like it might be false labor, because nothing is consistent. If the pain increases or becomes more consistent, then I'd call. I was told by my dr to not call until I established that there was a pattern to my cramps or contractions. Good luck!

Answer

Update: cramping hasn't stopped all day. I think they're getting more regular. 1-3 minutes long and 5-10 minute intervals. About 1/3 of the time I'm stopped in my tracks by the intensity. I think I'm going to call the OBGYN soon, try to get a little sleep and then hopefully it'll be time... 😂

Answer

Just be careful with castor oil, my doc told my group at our last group session that castor oil only upsets your GI tract and doesn't cause labor, but CAN cause an irritated uterus, which can really stress the baby out, even if you wind up going into labor after using castor oil. I am a FTM and I know a lot of people swear by it, but it kinda scares me after some of the stories she was telling us about women that came in after taking this stuff. :/

Is this the start of labor?

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