Childbirth/labor

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Expert: - 5/31/2008


Question
how do you know your contractions are the real thing I have lots of contractions but they never go any where some are really painful Im worried that if I do go into labor I wont even know because Im so use to having contractions that go no where how can I know for sure that Im in labor because I know that your water doesnt always break and even when it does you dont always go into labor and I dont want to go to the hospital thinking Im in labor god knows iv done that enough times its embearassing and time consuming

Answer
Marjorie,

I know exactly how you feel.  My worst fear was that I would go to the hospital too soon and be sent home with false labor.

I've written two articles that should address your concerns and help you determine when you are actually in labor.

The first is located at http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/prodromal-labor.html and the second is at http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/labor-contraction.html

In a nutshell, unless your contractions are in a regular pattern about 5 minutes or less apart, lasting about a minute and you can't talk through them, they stay home.

You'll be more relaxed at home and your labor should keep progressing nicely.  When you go to the hospital too soon, it can cause your anxiety to rise which can stall or even stop labor.


Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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