Not labor but an irritable uterus?

[Edna9]

I'm 40 weeks, 5 days pregnant. I've been having irregular contractions since 7:15 am (it's now 6:20 pm). I'm 2 cm dilated, and my cervix has remained unchanged all day.  

My nurse practitioner said that because my cervix isn't changing, this is probably a case of an irritable uterus.

Anyone have experience with this? Since I'm past my due date, is an induction out of the question? I've been very uncomfortable all day, and some of these contractions have been downright painful.

[AndiJ78]

My doc didn't let me go much beyond a week past my EDD. I was induced with all three and my second was induced at 8 days after my EDD. Some docs will let you go 2 weeks overdue, but generally they don't like to go that far because placental function begins to decrease.

I experienced an irritable uterus with all three at various times. It is just a  fancy way of saying contractions that aren't producing changes. Kind of similar to braxton hicks contractions.

[RuthiePee]

I've had 2 episodes of regular contractions already this pregnancy but as soon as I get home they get further apart and stop again. The Dr said it sounded like an irritable uterus. I've looked it up on the internet and it says it can be caused by stress. I think it probably is because both times I've gone to the hospital with bleeding and the contractions start when I'm AT the hospital.... then I come home and they stop again! I'm not dilated at all. The first time I was only 33 w 4 days and I had steroid injections for the baby's lungs. They admitted me to the hospital for a few days and they were regularly 5 minutes apart- no dilation. The last time was Monday 37 w exactly, again contracting 3 minutes apart- no dilation.
It's strange and I worry I'm not going to know when it's the real thing or when to go to the hospital as my waters have never broken of their own accord with my other pregnancies- I've told DH he's going to end up delivering this baby!

here in the Uk they induce labout if you go past your due date by 10-14 days (depending on the hospital policy) when is your next appointment?

Ruth xx

[RuthiePee]

http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/health_wellness/complications/a1855

You may find this website useful

Ruth xx

[Crritter]

I had an irritated uterus, I needed to drink more fluids, but had stopped so they could turn my baby.  I went in not feeling well, I was contracting every 2 to 3 min, but not changing.  I would think they wil induce soon.  Hope it's sooner than later, hang in there and good luck!