Just a question about the first stage of labor.

[Linzola1]

I know that there is no way to tell for sure but for the last few weeks I have been having very irregular contractions but beginning today I have been getting more regular contractions which kinda feel more like super de dooper intense menstural cramps. I began loosing my mucos plugg at 35 weeks and I am just wandering could I be in the first stage of labor??? I am 1 cm dialiated but the doctor never said if I am effaced.... Thanks.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

My first suggestions would be:

a) if you have been doing a lot of activity....rest...kick back put your feet up and watch TV or read.  If you've been resting, get up and move around..go for a walk..

b) even if you've been drinking tons of water, drink more...

See if over several hours those things don't help.  IF you try those and your contractions CONTINUE to get more intense and more regular...go to L & D.

If you are really worried just skip my suggestions and go now.  There's no harm or shame in it.  Especially if you are a first time mom and don't know what to expect.  
BH contractions can bepretty painful especially towards the end ....but then again some women have contractions that never get much worse than BH.  

Try this website   www.contractionmaster.com  it helps you time your contractions.  See what they are doing then do as leighanne said and call the doc on call and let them know.

When you have the contractions do you just feel your uterus tightening or does it feel like a pain that starts towards the back adn then wraps around the front as your uterus tightens?

[leighanne143]

call your doctor on-call and let them know.  they might have you count between pains or they might tell you to go right to L & D like sexyhot_dandy said:)

[sexyhot_dandy]

hi Lindsey

i read ur post. if ur contractions are gettin intense it wouldnt hurt to go Labor and Delivery. am still gettin some pains but nothin to really shout about.

[spade22]

You can lose your mucus plug weeks before labor so thats not a good indication of being in the 1st stage of labor.  

Real contractions are:
-truly regular (come at regular intervals, and gradually get closer together.... contractions that come 10 mins, then 5 mins, then 8 mins apart are not considered regular)
-they get more intense over time
-they do not change in intensity or pattern upon physical exertion or with fluid intake

Contractions that feel like menstrual camps can also be Braxton Hicks which can become more painful as you near your due date.

If your contractions are, indeed, regular then you could be going into labor.  When they get to 5 min apart it is time to go into L and D.