so confused!

so last night i was up from 1.30 - 4.30 having quite painful contractions on average 4 mins apart. what should i expect next? is labour pretty close?? oh yeah after 4.30 the contractions must have died down as i was able to sleep.... thanks in advance for ANY info or advice!

[JoyRenee]

You could be in early labor, which can last a bit of time. No one ever really knows when they'll go into active labor until it is upon them. Drinking water and changing positions should help to determine if you are in true labor or not. Also, laying down WILL cause contractions to ease up, slow down and do not help progression (which is why I plan to labor at home as long as possible because the moment I arrive at the hospital it'll be time to "get in bed" for monitoring and checks).

So walking and squatting and sitting on a birth ball (yoga/exercise ball) can help labor along as well!

[melaniewilliams]

thanks for answering!! the pains seemed to be worse while lying down, than sitting! nothing at all yesterday, but some pains again this morning, hopefully they will carry on now! i will be on my excercise ball all day hehe... thanks again!

[JoyRenee]

I think another term for this is prodromal labor if you want to google it!

[melaniewilliams]

thanks for this advice, will look it up now!