Membrane sweep and labor question

[kylesMom09]

Okay, so I'm a little confused and I'm hoping you ladies can shed some light on things for me.  I am 38 weeks and I went in for my weekly appointment and an U/S because our baby was measuring big at the 30 week ultrasound.  So as of the ultrasound today it looked like he is weighing in just over 8lbs.  My Dr. decided to go ahead and strip my membranes in hopes to get things moving because I REALLY don't want to be induced or have to worry about a csection if baby gets too big.  So after she stripped my membranes I was 4 cm dialated and 80% effaced.  About 45 minutes after I left the office the contractions started and are about 5 minutes apart.  I have been having them about 5 minutes apart for 2 hours now, but I was always told that at about 4-5 minutes apart was when you needed to go to the hospital.  I obviously don't want to go yet because I want to make sure this is the real thing and not going to stop.  I went into pre-term labor at 29 weeks and have been dealing with contractions since then so I'm worried about jumping the gun on this.  These are obviously more painful and consistent than the ones of the past, but I've never had my membranes stripped before either.  So if you can understand my ramblings and shed some light on my situation I would appreciate...Thanks!!!

[JoyRenee]

It's actually better to labor at home as long as possible and as long as you're comfortable. Definitely sounds like the real deal and can't wait to hear a birth story update!!!

[mamaof4410]

Well better safe than sorry, good luck! hopefully youll have your baby today LOl

[kylesMom09]

I'm about 30 minutes from the hospital, but I have to get my husband home from work and my sister here to watch my dd.  This is just so different from my last labor that I'm being a little stubborn I think :)  I have everyone on alert so I think I'm just going to get things in the car and everyone over here.  I want to wait it out a little longer because I really don't want to get sent home.  I've been waiting for this and now I think I'm just afraid to admit that it really may be happening!

[alaysha]

Id go now and get checked. I was having them every 3 minutes for like a minute each before I went in. I was also 4 cm and 90% dilated. Still ended up being a couple hours until I had my baby but everything moved so fast that I almost missed my chance at my epidural. I'd rather have the epidural in and not deal with the pain instead of transition and then get it right before you push.

[chantal21]

How far away from the hospital are you? That would play a big part on how long I would wait to head out. It sounds like you are in labor. With my second, I waited until my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart and lasting for 45 seconds to a minute. This all happened once my midwife did the sweep and within 8 hours I was in real labor. I was 20 min away from the birthing center, so I knew I had plenty of time. ( I was 4cm and 80% for just about a month, so I had to make it was the real thing as well)

[mamaof4410]

If i were you i would go to the hospital because what if it is the real thing? you dont want to deliver at home with out assitance or on the highway! The worse thing that is going to happen is theyre going to send you home. From what you said theyre stronger, i would get my things together, call my doc let them know whats going on and head out! good luck!