checosmo
Feb 20, 2012, 06:28 PM
First pregnancy never felt contractions during labor
Now in my second I'm due in two days and feel like contractions are about every 7 min, no pain but I can feel the wrapping from back to front.
I don't want to get sent home from L&D, when should I go in?
DoulaLC
Feb 20, 2012, 07:30 PM
Where I work, we generally suggest 4-1-1... when contractions are 4 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute long, for 1 hour. Another common guide is when contractions are 3-5 minutes apart for at least 1 hour.
You also would take into account time of day (rush hour or middle of the night)... how far away you live, and how you are feeling. Some women feel more comfortable going in a bit sooner, but as you said, run the risk of being sent home, others stay home until they feel that they really need to go in.
Your midwife or doctor will tell you what they are comfortable with you doing. If you feel that these are true labor contractions, you could give your care provider a call to inform them. At that time they will tell you when to head in.
In the meantime... have plenty to drink, rest and relax. If contractions subside or space out further, they are likely Braxton Hicks contractions.