Do you think this is the early stages of labor?

Hi Moms,

Was wondering if you could help me...I don't want to go to the hospital only to be sent home...i've done research till no end but still not sure.

Last wednesday i had slight contractions and bad cramps with backache. I was put on meds to stop contractions but since went off them due to horrible side effects. they were not full blown labor cramps..I actually didn't know they were happening until the hospital told me.

This weekend I've had the horrible period like cramps, terrible low back pain again...hasn't really stopped for days-and yesterday i had a series of contractions that hurt, yet when we timed them it was so random...10 mins apart, then 12, then 8, then 22 etc...so i didn't rush off anywhere.

I don't know what to do really. As of last week i was not dilated, but 50% effaced and he said the baby is LOW.."right there" as he put it.

Sorry for the long post. I am just tired, crampy, and the back pain is the worst part...i am hoping its the start of it all b/c I don't know if i can take 4 more weeks (i'm now 36 weeks).

Thanks so much for any help you can give me!!!

-Maureen

Re: Do you think this is the early stages of labor?

I never went into laboar - stubborn children however to me it sounds like the beginning

Re: Do you think this is the early stages of labor?

Is it radiating from your back to your front? It does sound like early labor (although at 36 weeks - it's full term labor).

Make sure you are hydrated (unless you want to go now ). Also taking a shower will slow contractions.

eta. it could also be contractions but not labor yet. You're body may be prepping for labor in which case you could have a shorter labor time.

Message edited 8/7/2006 9:33:15 AM.

Re: Do you think this is the early stages of labor?

Posted by nrthshgrl

Is it radiating from your back to your front? It does sound like early labor (although at 36 weeks - it's full term labor).

Make sure you are hydrated (unless you want to go now ). Also taking a shower will slow contractions.

eta. it could also be contractions but not labor yet. You're body may be prepping for labor in which case you could have a shorter labor time.

Message edited 8/7/2006 9:39:42 AM.

Re: Do you think this is the early stages of labor?

Posted by maybebaby

Posted by nrthshgrl

Is it radiating from your back to your front? It does sound like early labor (although at 36 weeks - it's full term labor).

Make sure you are hydrated (unless you want to go now ). Also taking a shower will slow contractions.

eta. it could also be contractions but not labor yet. You're body may be prepping for labor in which case you could have a shorter labor time.

Yes, the pain starts in my lower back and radiates to the front-just feels like constant cramping most of the time..Thanks for the advice!

Message edited 8/7/2006 9:53:27 AM.