Friend having contractions every 7 minutes - how long could it be?

[Lottapianos]

My BF was having contractions every 7 mins at 9am today. She texted me to let me know, I haven't been able to get her on the phone - I guess she's a bit busy She's just over 39 weeks so it's all ok.

I'm her back-up birth partner so I'm on pins waiting here in case she needs me. I'm also a planner who hasn't yet learned that patience is a virtue! I know it's really hard to say for sure and I'm sure it can vary a lot but any educated guesses on how things could progress for her, time-wise? It's her first baby. All advice gratefully received - thanks

Could be hours, could be a week. I'd like to be more helpful, but there's a lot of scope for variation I'm afraid. Busy yourself with something you can drop if she calls and try to put it out of your mind.

there is no way of knowing - an educated guess on a birth is pointless. Children come quickly and very very slowly. But mostly its somewhere in between. (My first arrived in under two hours so thats no indicator)

Yikes - that's what I was afraid of! Just got to sit tight I guess. Thanks

Hopefully she's relaxing and taking it easy. It's best not to take things too seriously too early on. First labours are generally slow (generally, not always), and first time mums can get tired and disheartened at the slow pace. It's perfectly normal though. When my first labour pains started (irregularly at 12pm after ROM at 9am) I ignored them and got on with my day, and they picked up slowly until they were established and coming thick and fast (3am). For others it takes longer. Or less. There's no telling really.

She's just called me - she had a baby girl just before 1pm today! All is well. Thanks all for your support x

Congratulations to her.

I am also jealous as I am on DC2 and was 7 mins apart on saturday and still am.

Best of luck to you, hope baby gets a move on!