Reading these answers....holy cow, 10 minutes apart?

I started timing mine on Wednesday nite--they were about 45 minutes.  I had contractions all day on Thursday, about 9 minutes apart but pretty mild in intensity.  By Thursday nite, they were at 5-6 minutes apart, and we went to the hospital, because 5 mins apart was what they told us to watch for and come in.  After hooking me up to the monitors, they sent me out to walk around, saying they weren't intense enough, despite their closeness together (that I wasn't really in "active labor"). They sent me home with sedatives.

I took one of the two sedatives, which just made me horrifically tired but unable to sleep because of the contractions.  By Friday morning at 5, on no sleep, they were 3 minutes apart and we went back to the hospital.

I wasn't allowed to push until 3 that afternoon, and pushed for and hour and 45 before he was born.

It isn't just about how far apart they are, but rather how intense they are.  I don't know how far away you live from the hospital, but I'd get a running timer, and start timing the contractions when they start. I used my ipod's timer.  If they hurt so badly you can't stand up straight or talk through them, get to the hospital.  I guess ask your doc what they prefer, but for me, I went to the hospital, all excited to have a baby, and then had to go home.

Hey Danni, It is so exciting and yet quite scary at this stage! You will know when labour pains start.....it is different to the Braxton Hicks, hard to describe, but the tightening is regular and the times between them get shorter. Also, it usually starts to hurt! My waters broke early on, so that was a good indication! My sister had strep B and had to go in as soon as labour started. They sent her home until the contractions were closer together. Just make sure you are there when as the others have advised no later than contractions 10 minutes apart! It's much better to go in sooner rather than later -ring the hospital if you are in any doubt at all...that's what they are there for! I was told to go in as soon as my waters broke, but then was told I could go home for 12 hours, or until pain became too much...whichever came first! With a first bub...it tends to be later rather than sooner...but you may be one of the luucky ones that it all happens quickly...you just can't tell until it happens! Good luck!

About ten minutes apart. If you feel you can't handle the pain, then don't wait, just go. Ring the delivery suite when you go into labour no matter how far apart and they can give you advice. Just remember to breathe! You'll most difinitely know when you are in labour!

so excited for you hun.  Wish i could be there for you.

Hey hunni, first they will automatically know when to give you the meds by contacting your doc when you arrive.  So your doc will know that you are there and they will tell the staff what you need.  Second, if your water does not break, go by if you see any kinds of bloody discharge or how many contractions you are having.  If you get up and walk around for a little while and they are still coming, or get strong, then more then likely you are starting labor.  But if they stop or ease up by moving around, then it's just the BH ones.  Good luck and how exciting!!!!

Hi Danni I agree with everyone else go into hospital when they are 10 mins apart.

In regards to what it feels like the best explaination I ever got was it feels like bad period pain. Yet everyone is different. Some women feel deep lower back ache. Plus your baby belly tightens the muscles in your belly tighten and sometimes you can see the skin tighten as well.

I hope this helps good luck and try not to panic its all good

The way you have kept us all updated dont be surprised if some of the minti mums have sympathy pains when you go into labour lol Hey believe it or not it does happen it happened to me  with 2 of my clients that I worked very closely with during their pregancy. Very strange feeling I must say especially when you have nothing to show afterwards lol.

Take care

Hey Dannii

I would say, go in when your contractions are about 10 mins apart. I went in early when i was in labour. But i am glad i did. I felt alot more relaxed being there, where i knew i would be able to get help straight away if needed.

You will know when you are in labour, the pain is quite different from bh. Umm, more intense.

xoxo

start writing down on a note pad all tightnings and braxton hicks. when they are really regular you have your indication, and yolu will know when your in labour. i dnt know how, but woman just knowxxxx

I had Step B when I was pregnant with Cadence too.. I was on the IV Drip as well.. I was suppose to end up having another doze of it but she had already came.
When my waters broke, I went to the hospital right away.. Because i was told as soon as your waters broke to come in, get started on the IV Drip and it would help clear away some of the infection so it wouldn't get transferred to the baby (but in some cases it can)

As for what pains you should be feeling, I honestly can't remember. I think call your local maternity ward, they would be able to help you out :)

call the midwives at the hospital. they will be able to tell you better.

but you can go any time and if u are like my family they get the pains instantly and have bubs 30 mins later.