Mild and irregular These might be the
niggling beginnings of labour, or a run of Braxton Hicks* (practice) contractions. Make
yourself as comfortable as possible and get some rest before the hard work of labour
begins.
Getting closer together, longer
and stronger in intensity Good, monitor their progress over the course of an hour or so,
noting the length of each contraction, and the space of time between the beginning of one
contraction and the next.
If you are coping, stay at home and practise
using breathing, relaxation and good positions to relieve the discomfort
of the contractions. If, however, you feel you need reassurance, phone
the maternity unit or midwife, describe the contractions and anything
else that has happened, and she will suggest what you should do. As the
contractions get stronger, you may wish to phone the hospital and tell
them you are coming in, or ask your midwife to come to you if you are
having a home birth.
Urge to push?
You are probably in advanced labour. Phone the midwife or maternity unit
immediately. Also call your partner or a nearby friend or neighbour.
Find out what you should do in case you have an emergency birth at home.
Don't know
Mild and irregular contractions could simply be the practice ones known
as Braxton Hicks contractions. These can sometimes be surprisingly
strong, but if they are not gaining in intensity and frequency, they are
probably not the ones that will produce your baby today. Try and keep
busy and distracted, or settle down and get some sleep.
No
If you are not feeling contractions, it is unlikely that you are in
labour. However,
the pattern of labour can vary enormously from woman to woman. A very small number of
women have extremely fast labours and feel few contractions before the pushing ones.
