Labor Expectations?

Question

I’m 37 weeks right now, what should I expect to experience as I approach labor? I know contractions, obviously, but specifically. How long and how far apart? Other signs or symptoms? I want to labor at home as long as possible, when do I absolutely need to go in? Honestly any advice or personal experience would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer

My contractions started at 40+3, I honestly had zero signs labour was approaching though lol was still carrying high, no Braxton hicks and wasn't dilated at all when I was checked 2 days previously. 
Mine started like VERY mild period cramps, they were sort of sporadic, some a few minutes apart, some 7 or 8 minutes apart. They just consistently got more intense as time went on. I labored at home from 11pm when they begin until about 530-6am, had a bath. I was still able to talk though my contractions for that time, which is why when I called the hospital they told me to wait since I wasn't in active labour yet. I actually called like 3 times lol but it was getting pretty intense towards the end so we just said fuck it let's go in. When I got in there I was 8.5cm dilated 😳 I labored in the birthing tub there for another 3 hours before having her. I don't know if I would recommend waiting that long lol but it definitely helped me progress pretty quick I'd say 🤷🏼‍♀️

Labor Expectations?

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