Hello Archie!

Thank you for the informative post about labour pains. I have a question. My EDD was Oct 9th and on Oct 9th around 12/12:30pm I started feeling contractions which were quite mild and the pain was bearable. The whole day I felt regular contractions which were 10-8 min. apart and approximately 30-45 sec long. I tried to get some sleep at night but the contractions were quite bothersome. At around 1:30/2:00am, we decided to go to the hospital...........just to check.
When we reached the hopital nurse did an internal exam and I was 2 cms dilated. Baby's heart rate was good. But she said the baby is still high up(floating) and strong contactions will help baby settle down in the pelvic region. So she sent us back and advised us to come back once the contractions are really unbearable and they are 5 min apart.
Once we came back home around 5:00am on 10th........I tried to get some sleep as I was really exhausted and when I woke up( around 10:00am) contactions were all gone. I felt a few irregular contractions here and there but basically nothing. Today is Tuesday, 11th morning and Iam feeling any of those contactions. My appointment is on Thursday, 13th and I am worried that the doc might choose to induce me.
Apart from that I haven't lost my mucous plug as yet but I'm having pinkish discharge on a regular basis since yesterday but the amount is very minute. I am having diarrhea since 9th which is also a sign of labor I guess. Sometimes I do feel that I am quite close to actual labor but then I start to question myself as I haven't felt any contactions in past 20 hours.

What do you think;

1- Is it normal to feel contactions for more than 18 hours and then they stop altogether? And does it mean that those were just BHC's?
2- What should I do to induce labor or should I even try to do anything or just wait to happen it on it's own?
3- What are my chances of going into labor naturally?

Please advise.

Thanks a lot
Aby
archie replied. Aby,
1. yes it's normal to feel contractions for several hours (almost more than 24 hours) and disappear after that, those will help effacing and dilating your cervix.
2. nothing you should do in particular. If you really want then may be castor oil should help besides following tips given for labor.
3. I see nothing against you getting in labor on your own.

do not keep reserved mind on induction or C-section, it will help you ease labor stress.

archie