[hatchetrose]

I am almost 39 weeks. And over the last 3 weeks I have been in the hospital 4 times. Twice for false labor and twice for bleeding/loss of my mucus plug. Throughout the day today, I have been having contractions all day. They become concise, but then they stop for about 15 minutes then are at 5 minutes apart again. I have been feeling a lot of pressure like I have to go to the bathroom but I can't when I try. I also feel like my pelvis is breaking when I stand or sit a certain way. Nothing seems to be helping. I don't want to go to the hospital just to get turned away again. But I don't want to sit here in labor if I really am. Any thoughts?

[DoulaLC]

It may be prodromal labor, or your body warming up. Many women will experience this, sometimes for days before labor actually begins. Things may pick up later in the day, or they may continue to be irregular for sometime still.

If your contractions are not regular, continuous, or gaining strength, you do not need to be in hospital.

Do your best to relax at home. Take a warm bath, go for a walk, spend time with friends or family. Practice your breathing and relaxation with them. Try different positions and see if some feel better than others. Then you will know that those are ones to try during labor.

At some point you will notice they change... becoming more regular, lasting about the same length of time, getting stronger, and not taking breaks regardless of what you do.

Even when true labor begins, being at home for the early stage allows you to eat (lightly), be in familiar surroundings, rest in your own bed, go for walks outside, keep yourself occupied, etc..

Frustrating to be sure, but not too much longer!