Hi Moms,
This is my third pregnancy and I'm 36 and a half weeks along. Not every night, but on many nights, I've been having very powerful contractions. They do not seem like Braxton Hicks, but they do subside during the day. So, I know it isn't real labor yet. At 35 weeks, they said I was already 1 cm dilated and the baby has dropped into my pelvic area so that it's made it uncomfortable to walk. Neither of my last two children came early. The first was 3 days late and the second was 4 days late. I haven't really expected to go early, yet I didn't have signs of labor this early on with the other two. Has anyone had this difference only because of it being a third or subsequent pregnancy or was it really an indication of and early delivery?
A lot of times, contractions early are a sign of dehydration. Drink LOTS of water!
Marie is right, drink more water.
With that said, baby 1 came 5 days early, 2 on his due date, and baby 3 two weeks early. Also, with baby 2, I walked around for two weeks having real contractions. So yes, you could be dilating. With my last, I barely had any contractions until the day before I had her. She dropped, and the was that, she was out less than 24 hours later. Each baby is different.
It sounds like dehydration, but it could just be part of prodromal labor. Your body knows what to do and you can feel everything happening this time around. I don't think it's really any indication of whether or not you'll go into early labor. Try not to do anything to encourage it this early, though. The baby would still be preemie and could have some developmental issues.
EDIT: By the way, and not really in a "by the way as an afterthought" but as in please know that if this is really out of the ordinary for you during pregnancy and this pregnancy in particular please call your OB and ask about this. You really want to be sure that it's nothing to worry about.
I agree on the water. Drink more and see if that helps. My babies were born at 37 and 36 weeks, so regardless of what happened with your other pregnancies, you might be closer than you think. You should be seeing your OB weekly now, right? Ask at your next appt, or call before then if you are concerned. It could be any day...congratulations...how exciting!
