Hi,
Just wanted to share. For my #1, I had BH contractions that were 5min apart (even as fast as 3 min) for 1-3hrs daily from 36 weeks onwards. Even the nurses thought I would progress to labour because the CTG showed such regular contractions, but they were not strong enough to induce labour. I went hospital 3 times and was sent back because not yet dilated, all false alarms. In the end, #1 was overdue, I was only 1 cm dilated and had to be induced at 40wks + 3 days and my boy was 3.5kg. For #2 this time, I'm v happy that the BH happens mostly at night and not regular like last time. While I'm looking forward to seeing my bb, I hope she will stay in for a bit longer so that she's bigger. Less likely to get jaundice and require admission if they are born closer to 40 weeks, cos more developed. My friend was 3cm dilated for 1 whole week before she delivered her baby, so I also have doubts about 3cm dilation with no associated contractions, as cervix may be dilated but not effaced. If got bleeding / show, but no contractions, can still wait at home, labour can start anytime within 1-2 days.
False contractions / Braxton Hicks - Uncoordinated contractions, tummy gets v hard and can feel pressure. Can be painful, feel like menstrual cramps, may even be regular (like my case, 5 min apart), but does not get stronger and more painful over time.
Real contractions / labour - Coordinated contractions that start at the top nearer your tummy and spread downwards to push baby out. Gets stronger and more painful over time, worse than any menstrual cramp you ever got. If it comes with show / bleeding, go hospital immediately.
My epidural was a horrible experience. Half body pain, half no pain. They increased the dosage, so I felt paralysed. After 6h, epi wore off, but anesthetist forgot abt me, pain was unbearable. When he came to give me fresh dose, it was time to push and I couldn't feel anything, even needed nurse and hubby to hold my legs. End up pushing for more than 1 hr. This time round if I can tahan, I don't want epi if possible. One of my girlfriends had the same experience.