Contractions went away after 3 hours???

[Anonymous]

I am 38 weeks pregnant, and have been experiencing contractions for about a month (another story altogether). Apparently, they have been braxton hicks b/c I'm not dilating any more over the past couple of weeks. Last night, I had the WORST lower back pain and associated contractions that I've experienced (this preganancy or with early labor in my first pregnancy), and the contractions were getting stronger and closer together. During the 3rd hour, they were 6-7 minutes apart consistently, and DH and I were getting ready to call my doc and go to the hospital. Then - they just went away - totally stopped! Is this bizarre? I'm floored by this. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Sounds like prodromal labor, which I don't think is bizarre. What did your doctor say? Have the contractions started up again? Exciting!

[Anonymous]

Totally normal. I know tons of people who showed up at the hospital "in labor" only to be sent home because the contractions stopped. The real labor started anywhere from a few hours to many days later.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for the responses. I'm glad to hear this isn't out of the ordinary. My doc said that I shouldn't be worried, but to call her when the contractions are more consistent (at least 8 in an hour, spaced almost evenly). I've already been sent home twice from the hospital with "false labor" so this time I want to make sure it's the real thing before I go to the hospital again!! I feel like the nurses are starting to say "yeah, right!"

In any case, I was a little disappointed when the contractions stopped last night. I am SOOOOOO ready for this baby to be OUT! I've been trying all the "home" induction techniques (brisk walking, stairs, spicy food, sex, etc...) today, to no avail yet! Still having contractions, but the closest the contractions have come all day is 20 minutes!!

Thanks again!!

[Anonymous]

That happened to me, too....twice actually! Real labor started a few days later. Get some sleep while you still can!!