What are the signs of labor?

See a doctor love. It’s hard to give a definite answer online because labor is different for everyone. My first baby was born at 35 weeks via emergency c-section but most likely would’ve been born earlier if I hadn’t mistook my labor as Braxton Hicks and spontaneous leakage of
amniotic fluid for me peeing myself like I had basically done my entire pregnancy.

I can promise you will know when it’s actual labor. When you can’t speak during a contraction it’s time to go to the hospital. OR if your water breaks always go

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You can have real contractions an be dilating for weeks. Lay on your left side an drink a glass of water, if they stop then continue on. If they don’t an get worse go to labor delivery or call doctor first.

Following! I’ve been having contractions, horrible lighting crotch and lots of cramping. I’m 32 weeks.

Everyone is different. I personally never went into labor on my own. My mom didn’t even know she was in labor with my brother. She went to get checked if she was leaking fluid and found out she was and was also 5cm dilated already and in active labor. Had no pain lol.

Might want to call your Dr

Call. Your. Doctor. Now.

It can be tiresome but when that far along, we found everything a reason to go to the doctor or call our midwife. Definitely better safe than sorry. Could be Braxton hicks, or could be early labor

If in doubt get checked out and make sure to do your kick counts

Could be braxon Hicks but please get checked. I know everyone is different but contractions for me were severe I couldn’t even talk when I had them

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I’m 35 weeks pregnant
Was told it’s braxton hicks
But better be safe call your doctor

Always call your obgyn just like your beautiful baby every pregnancy is different.

Mom of 3, I wish I could tell you but I never got to experience natural labor. I was induced with all of mine.

I was having contractions for few weeks before I went intill active labour ended up 11 days over … hospital will only see u if 3 /5 mins apart and constant …ring them if ur worried x

Braxton Hicks. Your body is getting ready. Real labor won’t stop. Next time if you get 4 or more contractions in an hour for 4 hours go in because it’s most likely real labor

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What is lightning crotch?

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I was told anything regular whether real or Braxton more than 5 times in an hour I should call.

When you have actual labour you will totally know about it. Sounds like what you just had was Braxton Hicks. Baby should be along very shortly.

I am on baby 4. I was in the hospital a week ago for contractions . Turns out I have had an irritated uterus. We live on the farm and I had to drive the golf cart and open the gates. We spent 5 hours in labor and delivery and was just recommended rest. My last baby came at 36.5 wks but I thought the contractions were just poop pains (colitis/ ibd/ibs). I literally got to the hospital at 545 and he born at 614. The first 2 were induced and I had an epidural. So no idea what contractions felt like. Hoping this one comes fast

Similar things happened to me but I was at 38w. Doctors said it wasn’t Braxton Hicks but they specifically used the term “pre-labor” so I was having actual contractions but they weren’t the “baby is ready” ones I guess? It was utterly annoying. After the forth time showing up at the hospital they finally let me stay and started inducing at 39.5w. Good luck and definitely check with your doctor.

You can go get checked out by the doc if it’s a concern. Better to be certain than uncertain

Go and get check out this happen to myself I was 36 weeks and was having contractions and showing signs of going into labour but luckily I didn’t but when I was past my due date I had contractions and I didn’t think it was anything went to my midwife appointment and they told me to go straight to the hospital as I was 5cm and in active labour its always better to get checked out x

Youll definitely know when its real contractions and labor

Braxton hicks most likely… I been having them since about right where you are & im 36 weeks 4 days today. I still get them. I had them roughly a week & a half ago that drug out for two days & then stopped & haven’t had em since. The lightening crotch is NO JOKE either so I feel your pain, I absolutely hate it lol. Idk about you, but I also get this pain in my groin that feel likes it’s about to be a Charlie horse but just stops short of being one & it’s sucks so bad. It will make my entire leg feel like it’s giving out !! Usually with my last three when it got to this point I only lasted maybe another two weeks so I’m thinking I’m pretty close. He’s already a decent size & is head down & dropped so I’m thinking he’s coming sooner than later lol.

Everyone is different. With both of my kids I didn’t have any Braxton Hicks. My first was born at 36 weeks and my second at 37 weeks. Always check with your midwife.

Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. What are the signs of labor? - Mamas Uncut

Braxton Hicks. Drink lots of water, stay hydrated, and try to lay on left side to help calm everything down. It’s just the beginning. Your body is doing final stretching and preparing for your baby. You will have it for a few weeks I’m sure.

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It was so bad with my second. I would bounce and bounce on a yoga ball and the contractions would get so bad! I was induced with both.

Drink lots of water and put your feet up. It’s braxton hicks if it doesn’t progress or it goes away

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32 weeks is really early. You don’t want labor right now. Tight feeling is Braxton Hicks. I literally was buckled over in pain couldn’t move or walk with my contractions. I feel like you’re unsure until they actually happen.

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I went into labor early at 32 weeks. Worst experience of our lives. We spent 47 days in the NICU. Please drink lots of water. Call your doctor. Don’t ignore these signs like I did please. Your baby needs more time

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My twins were born at 32 weeks, try not to panic hun , your body knows what its doing xx

This happened to me, ring triage and get checked just to be safe. I didnt for days as they said jyst braxton hicks. I finally went and got saw… my waters went as I arrived and baby was here within 23 mins. I was 33 weeks and she was totally fine but get yourself checked just to be sure :heart::heart::heart::heart:

I went into labour with my first at 34 weeks said it wasn’t the norm or usual to do so had her 5 hours later nearly 6 weeks early 5lb 4 she was 13 years layer she’s now taller than me :roll_eyes::woman_facepalming:t3::joy::joy: u know ur own body try not stress just worry urself more than u need to wee one will be here when ready no one had a guide book xx

Ppl can’t even get on here and ask for other opinions uess a rude judgemental comment is posted. I just don’t understand why people are the this way anymore it didn’t used to b like this…

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Well we aren’t doctors. But I can tell you that Braxton Hicks can be painful. But real contractions for me felt different. Not like tightening but like period cramps at first, times a million LOL. But seriously, ask your doctor, not social media. That’s just irresponsible.

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For me, it started off with stomach tightening lasting about twenty seconds, 15 minutes apart consistently for about 8 hours. Then gradually got more painful and between 5-8 minutes apart consistently, and I could not lay down at all, in any position, because of the pain. That is when I went into the hospital and had my baby about four hours later. I did not have a noticeable mucus plug, and my water broke about thirty minutes before my baby was pushing their way through to the world.

Watch for your mucus plug…looks like bloody, clear glob of rubber cement, then within a week. :slightly_smiling_face: The mucus plug is a thick clump of cervical mucus that forms during pregnancy, helping block the cervix. The cervix is the entrance from the vagina to the uterus. When a person loses their mucus plug, it may mean that labor will begin soon.

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I would go in for a check. That’s what they’re there for.

If they’re inconsistent (disappearing over night) then they’re BH contractions

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Braxton Hicks. Very normal.

Have you lost your mucus plug yet?

Real contractions feel like your gunna shit yourself lol

Could be Braxton Hicks.

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Braxton Hicks I believe. Check for bloody show or mucus.

Make sure you are still feeling the baby moving. Go to ER if not!

Labor doesn’t just stop once it’s started so it’s probably bh. Call your doctor though, always. That’s why they’re there and they know specifics of your pregnancy so they could tell you better than we could. You’re close either way so good luck!

Call your doctor or the PA, they will probably want to see you. Good luck!

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I had terrible regular braxton hicks just as you described from around 35 weeks and I went full term. Personally I’d probably talk to your midwife though just to be safe as you’re nowhere near full term.

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Could be Braxton hicks, but I would ring your triage unit to be safe

It could well be signs of labour. My contractions slowed right down because I was dehydrated. Make sure you drink plenty x

I had this I would get checked as they said was braxton hicks then my daughter arrived early :roll_eyes:

Probably braxton hicks but speak to your midwife as it is early for baby to come they may decide to give steroids for baby’s lungs just incase. Have you still had plenty of movement from baby today? Xx

I had this with my 2nd at 34 weeks and I was classed as in early labour as my cervix was slightly dilated.
They gave me steroid injections for the babies lungs and I stayed in hospital over night so I could have the 2nd dose of injections 24hrs later then I was discharged.
She was born 7 weeks after :joy::woman_facepalming: x

I had similar with my secound, I was up one night having regular contractions that wouldn’t go away from walking around or drinking water (so wasn’t Branxton hicks) around 34 weeks i think.
Went into labour at 37wks before my waters broke the contractions literally felt the exact same As what I experienced at 34 weeks but obviously without out the actual labour part.
Lighting crotch i experienced for ages as my son sat low from early on.

I’m 31+5 and am classed as being in early labour. I have had exactly the same. Really bad for a couple hours then nothing for a few days. Check with your midwife they may want you to have a steroid injection for his lungs xx

Why don’t you just call your doctor

It’s called Braxton hicks contractions

Braxton hicks I believe its called… Your body’s getting prepared.

This happened to me, 2 days later my waters broke xx

Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. What are the signs of labor? - Mamas Uncut

Don’t worry when your in labor you will know. The contractions will be strong enough to take your breath away - that’s when you have to concentrate on breathing

It could be Braxton hicks. They feel pretty intense.
I woke up to cramps & I couldn’t fall back asleep i ended up having a bath & almost fell asleep in the tub I forced myself up & as I soon as I stood up the pain was back so I kind of figured I was in labor then I got dressed & my water broke so we rushed to the hospital. Within 8 hours I was 3 CM dilated when I got to the hospital. He wasn’t long coming at all & it was not far apart at all. But if you’re having Braxton hicks you’re probably getting very close to having your little one.

When you’re in labor the contractions will only get worse and they won’t go away.

Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. What are the signs of labor? - Mamas Uncut

I will say this much- I always expected my water would break and I’d clearly know it’s labor. But NO lol with my son, my water broke like 5 hours in, when a nurse checked me. With my daughter, my water broke at 10cm when it was go time and I had her minutes later. Movies are wrong and it’s not like that :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:

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Colostrum is normal before birth, you can start hand expressing it now to save for feeds after birth.
Even if you had actual contractions now, it could be weeks before you gave birth.
Nothing here shouts birth is imminent x

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That’s your colostrum. Consistent contractions would be labor. I had Braxton hicks for a while then at 38-39 weeks I started contracting, not consistent, pretty sporadic. I know they were real contractions though because I felt pressure down below and I didn’t feel those with Braxton hicks. When I went to be induced at 39 weeks I was dilated to a 2.

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Sounds like your body is setting itself up for labor. My daughter did the same way around 34 weeks, she gave birth at 39 weeks on Feb 8th.

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I started leaking af like 26 weeks :woozy_face: this all sounds normal!!

The stuff you’re leaking is colostrum. Which is super good for baby, and you can lose your mucas plug multiple times and it grow back! So I wouldn’t worry. I lost mine 3 times my last pregnancy. You will for sure know when you’re having contractions! And it’s time! There won’t be any mistaking it! Just try and rest :slightly_smiling_face:

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I always tell people this. At 34 weeks you need to do your kick counts. This is all normal. Your water may not break on its own even in full active labor. When you’re in labor your contractions will steadily get worse and they will become more and more frequent. You can be dilated for weeks without progress. You can also have constant contractions without progress (had this with my youngest from 34 weeks until I gave birth). Trust your instincts.

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Lactating several weeks before labor is normal. My water never broke and I didn’t lose my mucus plug.

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My first… I had period like cramps for about a week. I was sleeping & i thought I had peed my pants, but it was my water breaking. I was 31 & 6. I got flown to a hospital with a nicu & I stayed in the hospital until they induced me at 34 weeks. With my second, I was on progesterone shots & had contractions all night. Hospital stopped them. I was 35 weeks. Later that same day, they came back. I was flown again to a hospital with a nicu & had my daughter.

I’m 37 weeks and I’ve had contractions but not consistently I haven’t lost my mucus plug yet and I’m dilated to a one. Dr says I still have some time.

My water never broke and never had “you know tour in labor contractions” I was cramps and couldn’t keep anything down went to the hospital I was 8cm dilated never felt the first contraction

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Sounds like your body is getting ready, has your stomach dropped? I’m 37 wks atm, baby is finally dropping and I’ve got colostrum happening too, it’s normal. You’ll know when you’re in Labor though. Soon enough mama.

Be careful when into labor at 5 months and it had to be stop. I didn’t even feel a thing. I was just whiney

With both my kids I had sporadic contractions for the last month. Both kids my water broke before I went into labor but I’ve had friends that their water never broke. But trust me you’ll know when it’s real. You just all of a sudden get this feeling.

Your body is getting ready for sure…they will stop labor pains but let you go 2weeks before your due date…

That yellowish liquid is colostrum. They drink that before your milk comes in. It sounds like it wont be long now.

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My first I lost my mucus plug at 34 weeks. I was going to mention this to my dr in a few days when I saw them but never got the chance as a day or so later my water broke.

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Myself and everyone else here seems to be able to tell you, but my question is why you’re coming to Facebook for answers when you should be calling your provider or going to ER if you think you’re in labour. Even then, Google is more rational than coming to a group.
I’m not trying to put you down because we do all need help and its nice to get from others, but you should focus on you & your baby’s health, not the internet.

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You will know, the contractions will feel different, and they should be more consistent than the Braxton-hicks. I didn’t know when I lost my mucus plug with any of my three. I just knew, it felt different.

It’s so hard to say! My first I had no symptoms, my water just broke at 37 weeks. My second was the same but my water spontaneously broke at 32 weeks. Now my 3rd I swore I would have early. Back aches, lightning pains, mood swings, even regular contractions. He made his debut at 39 weeks. I really believe babies just come when they want to. See if your provider will do a FFN test since you’re 34 weeks!

This is prep still could be 6 weeks

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I know people dilated 4cm for a couple weeks nit going farther.

Can you feel the baby move today? At 34 weeks you should still feel movement. I would call my OB tell them my symptoms and probably go in just to make sure my amniotic fluid wasn’t leaking.

With all four babies I’ve always started lactating the same way around that time. You could be 3cm dilated and stay that way for weeks. Heck some go 2months dilated like that. So I honestly think your body is doing what it should do. It’s preparing :heart: is what it sounds like to me!

I’ve had 2 pregnancy, my water never broke at home. Watch for back pain as well as cramping. I had it both ways. I think your body is preparing its self. Best of wishes to you and your new little miracle.

When I lost my mucus plug I started going into labor one or two days later. First it started with contractions that just got stronger and then my lower back started hurting. I went in even though my water didn’t break and when I went in I was already at 5cm. I had my baby a week early. The contractions were consistent so timing them is best. Everyone’s different though.

Call your provider or go in to be safe if you feel any way that this may be labor.

Each pregnancy and labor is different even though many have similarities to others. Your body usually starts prepping for labor weeks before baby is actually ready to arrive. Some women go 40+ weeks and have no symptoms.

For me my first soj my water broke. But it was a trickle. Nothing like i expected or was told would happen. - i was in active labor when i got to the hospotal and then stalled for a few hours.

My daughter, ibwas already dilated, and habing kild contractions. Was set to be induced after 6 hours they broke my water, she came about 6 hours later.

My third, i was uncomfortable and only went in to be checked due to being told i had low amniotic fluids and needed to be checked every other day (following day my my day to be checked) -i was afraid my baby was suffocating, not 4hat i was in labor. He came within the next 2 hours. 40+1, 39+1,38 weeks. Currently33 weeks pregnant with my 4th and this pregnancy has been so different. Shes measuring 3-4 weeks ahead and ive been cramping a lot the last week

I started dilating a month before they finally induced me about a week after my due date. I would definitely recommend seeing your doctor. She came into the world fast, less than 2 hour’s the second one almost was born in the car.

Braxton hicks they are a bit painful but if u worry and stress out you’ll make your baby the same, try relax, they say I’d they last more than an 1.5 hrs is early labor. Braxton hicks shouldn’t last more than 2 hrs

Go get checked!!! Everyone says you’ll know the difference but that isn’t always true. With my last 2 pregnancies I had what I thought were Braxton hicks contractions. I realized it was labor when my water broke. The 2nd time my water didn’t break but I went to be checked just in case. Labor wasn’t painful, just uncomfortable. Every woman is different.

For me I had braxton hicks for weeks before baby came at 37+4 @03.26am. My waters broke at 37+2 @8pm and contractions started about 30minutes later, I never lost my mucus plug. You will know the difference between braxton hicks and real contractions. Braxton hicks are really irregular, light pains that feel abit like more intense period pains. Contractions are regular and became more and more painful for me.
My advice… dont be a hero and try and go without an epidural if u want one have it… and dont forget to breath!
The colostrum that ur leaking, if you can get it into a syringe take it to hospital with to give to baby (I breastfed and topped baby up with the colostrum while I was in hospital and baby only lost 6% of his weight… they allow up to 10%)
Good luck, enjoy the last few weeks without a tiny human attached to you 24 hours a day :joy:

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Girl you will know when your in labor, it freaking hurts and you feel the pressure. Even your first time. I just had my fourth and the saying the pain the most forgetful thing until you go through it again is the truth!! God bless and wishing you all the best!

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Losing your plug dose not mean that labor is near. The fluid your talking about is completely normal and it’s also not a sign of labor unless you know your cervix is dialed for sure then I don’t think it would be as I was in the hospital at 33 weeks and 5 days my cervix was dialed to a 3 and I was hospitalized until I had my son. You should just go and be checked. But from the sounds of it after having multiple kids you don’t sound like you are in labor or that labor is near

Talk to your doctor, they can also do a cervical check so they will know for sure if you’re dilated. They can go over the signs of labor with you. At 34 weeks your baby still has some growing to do, so it’s a bit early. I was told about 39 weeks ideal.

I was 1cm dilated at 35weeks with my first, started lactating at 25 weeks. I had some Braxton hicks at 35 weeks. But I didn’t go into labour. I was induced and they broke my water for me at 41 weeks. I was 3cm when they broke my water. I had harsher contractions due to the Pitocin to induce me but they were different than the false labour. More so in my back than anything else.