When to know real labor? Should I call Doc?

[maryann86]

Okay, I just went to my doctor yesterday. I have brochitis and they were worried about that. I am 38 weeks today and when I went in yesterday she didn't even check my cervix. This kinda worries me now because I have been having pretty regular contractions since yesterday. Is this real labor or is it just more BH contractions? Last night every time I had a contraction it felt like it was all over. In my abdomen and my back. I don't want to call her again becasue I know they are tired of hearing from me. Also, I think I was leaking fluid, but I'm not sure if it was from the baby on my bladder or amniotic fluid. What should I do?

[kris123]

When I went into labor my water broke and when it breaks you will know.  It is really gross, and just keeps coming out - could be different for everyone.  I just remember running down my leg and every few seconds it would gush out.  Sorry to be so nasty.  

[JJety]

When you say "pretty regular contractions" what do you mean?  Every 10 minutes?  Every 20 minutes?

If you think for one second that you're leaking amniotic fluid then don't hesitate to get checked.  It's absolutely nothing to be shy about or feel ashamed for having questioned it.

If your contractions don't go away regardless of a change in activity then it's probably real labor.  You would need to go to the hospital if they're getting stronger and closer together (something like 6-7 minutes apart for about an hour).  You shouldn't necessarily wait for them to get 5 or less mintues apart because your body may never do that - mine did not.  I was 6, 7, 8 minutes apart my entire labor and it only lasted 10 hours.

[taysmommy]

if you think you are leaking fluid, GO TO THE HOSPITAL!! i know many people feel a gush when their water breaks, i did not, mine broke about 3 days before ANY contractions started, im assuming because it was leakin slowly, but i went into the doctor and they told me i was peeing on my self, 3 days later i went in again, and i was fully ruptured, and i had to have neo-natal staff in for delivery because i developed a fever, if you water is broke too long before delivery, you and your baby could be at risk, and as for your contractions, are you timing them, if so, the "real" contractions are going to be 2 - 3 mins apart, and growing in intensity, if you can not talk through the contraction because it takes your breath away, it is real, otherwise it may be BH, anyways hon they deal with nerous pregnant girls EVERYDAY, they get paid everytime you go in, you are not being a burden, i felt the same way, they have a big practice and actually knew me on the phone by my voice, keep me posted, and call right now!

[taysmommy]

oh and to add, it is common in late pregnancy, especially since you have bronchitis, to leak urine, but this is how mine felt, i would lay down(because i was so huge) and after being laid down for a while, i would stand up, and some fluid would leak out, not when i was standing up right, the doc said the babies head was "blocking" the water and only allowing it to leak a little at a time,

[brentlie]

If your contractions are radiating around you I would say those are real, not Braxton Hicks.  My dr. told me that was one way to tell the diffrence.  He also said that if you drink a glass of water or change positions and it stops that is BH.  I say call your dr. this could be the big one!

[anxiousmomtobe?]

Does the fluid have any smell?  Amniotic fluid is odorless or sometimes vaguely sweet.  My waters broke with a huge gush shortly before contractions began.  

[kris123]

Mine didn't have a smell.  Like the other post said some people don't get the gush.  It was clear and slicky feeling.  I had a lot come out at a time.

[bkuhnmom]

Don't ever feel like you are bothering the nurses or drs.  They work for YOU and get paid very well for doing so.   Best of luck.