Yes. That is contractions--but just braxton hicks--preparing you for the real thing.

Many women do not even feel them, while others have minimal pain with them.

So does this mean that I will be going into labor soon? This is my first pregnancy and I am only 18..So all of this is new to me. And is there any way for me to check myself to see if im dilated. I know that sounds werid but I really want to know.

Dr will check for any dilation tomorrow. I was at 3 cm before I actually went into full labor with all my kids.

Have you lost mucus plug yet?? Kinda snotty slimy thing comes out usually within 3 weeks of delivery--but mine came out early and all my kids were late. Sometimes has a little blood to it--but nothing to worry about??

You can have braxton hicks contractions anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months before delivery. So that is usually not an indicator of real labor. When you have pains--starting like period cramps but spreading all the way across you belly and or across your back. They grow in intensity then taper off. And if they come close together and continue, then it is labor. They will be like 5 minutes apart. And you will feel the tightening then also --very tight.

Fast and safe delivery to you hunnie.

Joanna

Some people can be dilated and still not due for another few weeks heres a list of signs of prelabor and real labor

prelabor
~lightening (baby dropping)
~loss of mucous plug
~dilating (noticed more in subsequent pregnancies)
~braxton hicks(contractions)
~onset on nesting instict

i have had half these symptoms since 25 weeks and from 32 weeks with elisa

labor
~contractions increase in number and intesity (they get more painful) most hospitals in ottawa consider active labor when ur less than 5 mins apart and 2-3cm dilated............
~water broke or whatever you would like to call it
~pressure massive like you need to crap
and I cant think of enything else right now

i have b/h and they hurt like a ^#$% but this is my second so I guess I feel it more

Thanks!!!