?? about labor????

[pfeiff920]

So I'm a ftm so this ? May sound stupid...I'm 37weeks 2days and I've been have pains in my lower area and today I was get the pains but at the same time my stomach on the left side felt like it was tighting a lil... I guess my ? Would be how do u know ur in the beginning of labor??????

[EzzaC]

I had contractions for 3 hours before my water broke by itself all over my couch lol.  It's actually very rare (about 5 percent) of waters that actually break on their own.

[Heather2701]

Oh well thank you. I had no idea..no one told me that one...but i guess if i have alot of pain then i will know im in labor then

[jg041005]

Yes some women don't have their water break when I had my first I started having contractions first and when I got to the hospital I was dilated to a 5 and they broke my water at the hospital

[Heather2701]

Hey im a FTM also... I have awhile to go. Im only 18 wks and 1 day. But i have a question. I thought when your water breaks thats when you go into labor. So are you ladies saying you can go into labor before your water breaks??

[pfeiff920]

Thanks

[EzzaC]

It's hard to describe labor pains as everyone's is different BUT a sure 100% accurate way to tell is to time them. If the pain gets worse,  closer together,  very intense then you are most likely progressing into full labor. Get up and walk around,  keep busy, if they fade away then it's just braxton hicks, if nothing changes you are in early labor, if they get worse then time them, once they get to 5 minutes apart and last from 30 seconds to 1 minute each then call the hospital! There is still every chance they can fade away again but if they get that close you will most likely need to go to the hospital :) good luck!

[tabygary]

I'm also in the same situation and FTM also.thanks for posting this question for I'm also going to benefit.I'm 36 wk+days.