What is early labor like?

[angela418]

So I am 40w3d today and tomorrow I have my induction scheduled (2nd child and 2nd induction).  This morning, I woke up at 4am and could not go back to sleep.  I got horrible heartburn (which just started happening the last 2-3 days) and had to sit up so I started timing BH contractions and for 2 hours (from 4:40 to 6:40) they were less than 10 min apart with one break in the middle that was a little longer than that.  Then, they tapered off.  I ate breakfast during that time and also got very mild period crampiness on and off which I still have.  I took a shower and then I went #2 - not diarrhea but soft (sorry tmi) - and now just chillin' out with the occasional period type cramp - but very mild.  Haven't timed any more contractions, but I know I've had some - had one as I wrote this.

I have never gone in to labor on my own, as I was induced with DS 18 months ago.  So, I just don't know if I am getting my hopes up today - and hoping to avoid another induction (not that it was bad, just wanted to do labor on my own) or if I'm just being overly sensitive to symptoms.  

What should I expect if it is early labor?  

[superchoc]

thats great!!! congratulations!! =)

[angela418]

Well I was induced after all but it literally took 1/2 the time as my first baby - started at almost 4cm and 60%effaced at 6am and delivered at 12:37pm after 5 pushes!  I got the epidural about 2 hours before it was time to push.  Everything turned out perfect in the end.  :-)  

[superchoc]

if you have stairs in your house, they say if you take 2 at a time baby gets into a good position, although babys head is restricting my tiny legs from doing so but they say just walking up + down stairs is good, if its cool enough inside. just be careful not to fall!

[angela418]

I want to walk more because I think now that I am this close it will actually help, but it is SOOO hot here!!  Maybe I'll just walk in circles around the inside of my house...LOL  I'm sorry you're going through "false" labor, too.  I haven't had much symptoms since I posted this earlier, so hopefully I can keep moving around w/out getting too tired, and it'll help things along.  Good luck to you, too!  :-)

[superchoc]

seems like your day is turning out like mine but at this rate you will have your baby before me! lol iv had false labour now for 2 and a half weeks, every day something else happens + its only slow progress. try walking, i must have walked 3 miles yesterday and i have bad period pains today. my first pregnancy i had no sign of labour whatsoever until i started getting regular contractions. this time i have had EVERYTHING accept regular contractions. its so so slow :(

[pregagain28]

Early labour is like the braxton hicks but regular but can still stop and start..
I only had one normal labour and it was much quicker than the three inductions! Lower back pain comes with contractions also. Good luck!

[angela418]

Thanks - and congrats on baby #4 on the way!  I hope you get to go in to labor naturally for your last one, too! :-)  

[snagglepuss1]

Don't know about going into labour by myself as I have been induced with all 3 of my children too. Just found out I'm expecting again and like you this time (as it will be my last baby) would like to start off without the need of medication.
Fingers crossed your induction date isn't needed! :D