I’m 38+1 and FTM. Hadn’t realised I was having contractions and assumed the tightenings I’d had for a few days must be BHs until I went to the hospital a couple of days ago for something else, mentioned I’d had some painless tightenings that were making my heart beat fast each time and they hooked me to the monitor. Midwife said it was likely nothing more than BHs as I was in no pain. But the monitor showed I was having contractions about 45 seconds long and about 4-5 mins apart. So I was told they were proper contractions but I was prob still in latent phase and to come back when they were 2-3 minutes apart.
Timed them the next day at a regular 2-3 mins apart so went in, was hooked up on the monitor and could see them on there, very strong, lasting around 45-60 seconds on average, I was offered pain relief but didn’t need it as still couldn’t feel them except for a tightening. They did a VE which showed cervix is still high and I’m not dilated so I was sent home again and told to come back if waters break or the contractions get painful. I’m just confused as everything I read says contractions 2-3 mins apart is when I should definitely be feeling them.
Has anyone had a similar experience? Is it false labour? If you did have it how long did it go on for before proper labour started?
Tbf I’d still be thinking they were BHs if it wasn’t for being put on the monitor. So maybe it’s just early labour and normally wouldn’t be noticed?