About Kristy Expertise I am a midwife, and have been for the past 10 years. I can answer most questions starting from pregnancy symtoms, right up to labour and delivery. I am able to recognize pregnancy related issues, from mild, to serious if given the symptoms. I am also keen on other health issues dealing with the female reproductive system, that may or may not be pregnancy related, and can give advice in that area as well. I am also a mother of two small children and will share my experiences with one text book pregnancy and delivery, as well as a very difficult pregnancy and delivery I experienced. Not only am I educated in this area, I have personally experienced the joys, and obstacles of this area as well.
Experience In my early years, I practiced in the labour and delivery ward of my local hospital. I was an R.N.A.
I later returned to Univeristy, and studied to become a midwife.
Education/Credentials 2 year nursing course, at the University of Toronto.
2 year course in Midwivery, at the University of Toronto.
Question Hi, I am 39 wks today, I've been having very strong contrations for about 2 wks .They're every 2-5 min apart,very very intense.They last about 3-5 hours then they'll slow down only to come back the next day. I've been to the hospital 3 times only to be sent home at 2cm dilated.I'm still at 2cm but still having hard labor pains, why am I not dilating and should the doctor break my water.This is my 1st baby and I'm scared.
Answer Hi Jennifer :)
First of all, I dont want you to be scared. What you are experiencing is not uncommon, but I do know that being a first time mom, this can all be so overwhelming.
First time babies, can often come a little late. Its not uncommon, for a mom to go a week, or even 10 days over her due date. So if this happens, and your doctor doesnt react come your due date, dont be alarmed :)
Sounds to me, like your body is totally preparing for labour, and delivery. The fact that you mentioned that you are 2 cms dialated, is a true indicator of that :)
However, you are not in active labour, and your labour is not consistant. Thats why you keep on being sent home. Because you are not having any complications with your pregnancy, such as toxemia, ect, they will not induce labour, unless you are overdue, or if a complication where to develop.
I know its terribly uncomfortable at this stage in the game, and the sparadic contractions can be aweful. But until you your body goes into a strong, active labour, its most likely they will just wait till mother nature kicks in full force.
The doctor will break your water, to strengthen contractions if you were to go into a consistant labour. Since you havent had consistancy, they will not due that, again unless a complication were to arise.
Its possible, you might have these symptoms, for the next 2 weeks. By week 41, usually the doctor will set a date to induce labour, if you havent met labour by a deadline. This is usually done by breaking your water, or, giving you a labour inducing drug like platosin. Sometimes, they will give you the drug, and break your water ..it depends on the individual.
I assure you, that you are just fine. But should you have extremely intense pains that are 2-4 minutes apart, about 45-60 seconds long, that continues consistantly for over 3 hours, then again I would go to hospital for evalution. I know this has been happening to you already, and you are doing the right thing by having yourself evaluated. Should your water break, even if you are not having pains, you should immediately leave for the hospital as well.
I hope this has answered your question, and I wish you all the best with you upcoming delivery!
