Stupid question alert - contractions

[OneOfMyTurnsComingOn]

Being a div.

How long should they last. My previous 2 births were ELCS and induction so I'm clueless.

Been told I have to set off to hospital when they're 15 mins apart.

[sparklekitty]

about a minute to a minute and a half I think for them to be 'effective'. I would imagine they'll be about that long if they're 15 mins apart.

Good luck x

[OneOfMyTurnsComingOn]

Thank you

They seem to have stopped

[CailinDana]

I know it sounds patronising but you'll know when it's the real thing. Real contractions, for most people, involve being stopped in your tracks for a good minute, unable to talk, properly in pain. Hopefully you're on the build up and it'll all get going in the next couple of days. How far along are you?

[OneOfMyTurnsComingOn]

They did hurt. Had some Braxtons but these were quite painful. Now nothing

I'm 41 weeks.

[lljkk]

I was told to ring the MW when they reached "toe curling" stage.
Get some sleep! Bet they'll start again soon. :)

[CailinDana]

This last waiting bit is absolutely horrible OneOf, you have all my sympathy :( Some good kick ass contractions is a really good sign. You might have a few stoppy starty bouts like this before it really gets going though. It's so frustrating, but you will get there eventually!

[OneOfMyTurnsComingOn]

You're right. It's frustrating as hell. Scary too. Even though its my 3rd.

Seems wrong willing for pain!

[CailinDana]

I know, I remember sitting there with really strong BHs thinking "get worse, get worse, get worse," seems weird now! I'm due my second in February and I'm definitely not looking forward to the last couple of weeks. Hellish.