Very early stages of labor

Well I ended up in labor and delivery again last night because I've been crampy for the past two days and yesterday started to contract again every 4 mins... The doctor said based on my pre term history and that I'm already starting to dialate and contract that I probably won't make it to 40 wks. I'm only 36 1/2 right now.....Last friday I was 1cm and 50% now I'm 2cm and still 50% but the baby dropped to -2 station... I was curious as to when some of you went into labor or started slowly how long it took? when did your water break? I'm so anxious and nervous this is my first baby and I feel like I'm blind. Could you give me some insight on what I'm in for?!?! Thanks so much!

[mgi]

I had no idea my water broke.  I went in labor at 4am  (didn;t know it till maybe 6am)  then my water broke on way to hospital.  I didn't know the nurses checked my pants and told me it did.  To tell the truth I thought labor was constipation.  so good luck

[Still_AndiJ]

My first took forever (over 24 hours of labor, 3 hours of pushing a 3rd degree episiotomy and vacuum assistance)

My second was stubborn and a week over due I wasn't dilating, even with induction methods, then out of no where, I was 3 cm, my water broke, I was 10 cm within 15 minutes, and baby out. It all took around 45 minutes (most of that time was spent keeping baby's heart rate up due to knot, trying to get the prolapsed cord back up and an amniotic infussion for good measure) I pushed 14 times and he was out!

Andrea

[Brinck002]

This is kinda a weird question but you said you thought it was constipation... did you at all get any crampy feeling in your lower back or lower tummy kinda like you had to go to the bathroom really bad?? Was it a constant cramp or did you not have any cramping at all?

[blondie72]

With my first I was due June 8 1998 and did not have her until June 17 and my water broke in the hospital after about 13 hours of labor.  She was born about 11 hours later.  My second I was induced so they broke my water early on and I had my baby 7 hours later.  Good Luck to you.  I am sure all will go well for you.   Take Care.

[mgi]

it wasn't constant.  It fely like it was only around my bowels.  (it wasn't till me husband said "lets time this"  that I thought other than contipation)  I went and drank juice and ate high fiber cereal - so as not to disturb hubby.  Good luck again.  I think every woman and every pg is different.