Contractions, how long to wait?

[Veryxonfused]

Hi all

I’m currently 41+2 with my first baby and was due to be induced on Thursday. Had a sweep on Friday and wasn’t dilated at all although they said my cervix was ‘starting to soften’ and baby also not engaged

This morning I lost my mucus plug (to my surprise as I’ve had no other signs of labour) and at about 10pm (6 hours ago) contractions (I think) started and progressed quite quickly. I rang the hospital when they were 5 minutes apart about 60 seconds each and they told me to wait it out pretty much.

They’re now 3 minutes about 60 seconds each. They are pretty painful although I would expect them to be worse tbh, I really don’t know what I’m looking for. I feel like they’re too low down to be real contractions as they feel really sharp and I can’t tell if my belly is actually ‘contracting’ no idea if that makes any sense. It does go hard but feel like my belly is always quite hard. I have no idea whether my pain tolerance is just low. I don’t really get period cramps and I didn’t even really get cramps when I had a miscarriage so I don’t know whether these are just really awful cramps?!
Some of them I can still talk through and others I have to breathe through. I have no idea when to go to the hospital though?

my husband seems to think I should go in because I’m quite snappy and don’t want to speak through them but if they turn me away I’ll probably be even more reluctant to go back the next time

Contractions are different for everyone so don't worry trying to figure out what they are!

The fact that they're in a steady pattern and are lasting 60 seconds would make me go into hospital.

Good luck and congratulations, very exciting.

My contractions never became regular. However they did turn into ones that I couldn't speak through at all. But I'd be absolutely as normal in between. So for instance I could have two an hour, then several back to back for 20 mins then an hour of nothing then bang baby here! Everyone labours differently. I've been told I'm not in labour even an hour before delivery each time just because of being able to talk and no regular pattern.

Best of luck. Stay as mobile as possible!

I think if they are every 3 minutes and very painful you should go. Good luck!

Another vote for going @Veryxonfused

Go in. Agree with PP about contractions being different for everyone and also your circumstances. I didn’t have regular contractions, even at the pushing stage (which for me was a very short 15 minutes). I’m also 45 minutes from the hospital.

I'd go in OP. Good luck ! X

Yes phone back and go in!

I was hoovering the house during established labour (home birth) as wanted it tidy for the midwives 🤣 I only phoned them to come as husband was getting twitchy.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone, I did go in but still too early for me. But they were really nice so don’t feel too put off. I think the tricky thing is they’re regular but not intense and it’s a lot harder to measure intensity. Going to try and go off my own instincts now rather than other people telling me to go. I am also now questioning how the hell I’m going to do this as I’m already down one night of sleep and clearly my pain tolerance isn’t what I thought 🤣

My contractions were all over the place but we're still very painful. I went in every time they became regular but as soon as I got to triage they slowed down! I had no sleep for about 3 days.
I ended up going in and being examined 4 times before they said enough is enough and admitted me to have my waters broken.
Just go off your instinct and if they get too painful but are still irregular go in anyway, I'm sure they have to do something after you've been in so many times.

I have a long but very painful early stage with my first. A tens machine and hot water bottle really helped as well as standing under a hot shower.
After it had been going on a few days they gave me the option on going in and having some pethedine and I got some sleep!

Go back in and demand care and to be monitored.

I was induced at 41+5 and 48 hours later i had only got to 3cm, by which time my son was in a bit of distress and his heartbeat was dipping with each contraction. Ended up with EMCS.

Also, if you’re in a lot of pain, you have the right to go and stay at hospital with proper pain relief.

a person I know went in because she was having a few pains and was worried about baby. Checked her over and sent her home, she decided to go toilet before she left…. 20 mins later nurses rushed in because out popped baby so it’s different for everyone!

I had pethidine and loved it both times! You'll surprise yourself. Trust your body and trust your baby. They've got this!

How are things this evening @Veryxonfused?

I ended up going back at 4pm Tuesday as contractions had intensified a bit & I was 4cm! Currently still in labour, just had an epidural fitted but unfortunately it’s not 100% working as I can still feel contractions all on my right side. Hopefully not too long now 🤞

Hope all is well @Veryxonfused and you are enjoying snuggles with your baby

I'm hoping all is well too @Veryxonfused