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Home » Childbirth

Yes, You Can Be in Real Labor and Not Even Realize It

By Yasmine Moussa Published: April 24, 2018 Updated: October 23, 2025
This article contains affiliate links. Please see our full affiliate policy.

I remember being pregnant with my first baby and thinking about what “real labor” would feel like. I Googled everything I could think of until all the search results were purple.

Then one night, I started experiencing painful contractions. I just knew it was the real deal. I couldn’t talk through my contractions, there was no mistaking that I was in labor.

According to Google and many doctors, one of the signs that you’re in real labor is not being able to talk through contractions.

Although this holds true for my first pregnancy, it most certainly was not the case with my second baby.

The entire afternoon before my son’s birth, I experienced what I thought were Braxton Hicks contractions gone crazy.

I felt a rhythmic tightening in my abdomen every couple of minutes, all day long, but I wasn’t in any kind of pain.

I honestly thought my uterus was just irritable from all the walking I’d been doing that day, so I ignored it. As the day progressed and dawn turned into dusk, the tightening continued but increased in intensity and frequency.

After much insisting from my mother, I decided to call my midwife who advised me to go straight to L&D where she’d meet me.

So I waddled in with my husband, already mentally prepared to be sent back home because — I was not in labor.

Several minutes after checking in, my midwife began assessing me and after a bit of digging around…her jaw dropped. “You’re 9cm dilated,” she said.

I only started to feel actual labor pains when my waters were broken. My son was born not long after that.

I was most definitely in “real labor” but I felt zero pain. Had I ignored my mother’s pleas for me to go to the hospital, I would’ve given birth at home.

Most moms receive some type of “How to Know You’re in Labor” checklist from their care providers at some point during their pregnancies.

I received several of these checklists and the one thing they all have in common is this one deceiving “real labor” symptom: If you’re in real labor, you should not be able to talk during your contractions.

Though not being able to talk through contractions may be a sign that you’re in labor, it’s not an exact science.

After this experience, I did some research and found that many other women had experiences similar to mine.

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Perhaps it isn’t the norm but it most certainly is possible to have painless labor. My prayer (please Lord Jesus!) for my future pregnancies is to have the same type of labor lol because honestly, it was amaaazing.

I had already gone through labor with the “regular” pains with my daughter and yeah, those pains were no joke.

Here are some painless “real labor” symptoms to watch out for

Painless, rhythmic contractions:

Just as with “regular” labor, the contractions will be rhythmic and you’ll be able to time them. If you are able to time the contractions and notice a pattern, chances are you are in real labor.

Painless contractions that are increasing in intensity:

My contractions began earlier that morning and grew in intensity and frequency as the day progressed. They just weren’t painful. I went from literally being able to walk through them, to having to stop walking every couple of steps.

If you have to stop doing what you’re doing during the contraction, you may be in real labor.

Painless contractions that are increasingly uncomfortable:

As the contractions get stronger and more frequent, they’ll become even more uncomfortable. I remember mine being so intense that each time a wave of contractions came I felt like I was going to pee myself. That’s how hard my uterus was contracting (thank you Red Raspberry Leaf Tea!).

If this is the case for you then there’s a possibility that you could be in real labor.

If you feel any of the symptoms I mentioned above and are unsure as to whether or not you’re in labor, call your doctor.

Many of us moms worry about being a nuisance and being sent home, but if you have even the tiniest inkling that something could be going on, call your healthcare provider! That simple move can help you avoid an unplanned homebirth.

If you found this article useful, pin it for later!

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Yasmine Moussa

Founder and Chief Mama Officer of The Gentle Nursery. Yasmine is the founder of The Gentle Nursery as well as the CEO of Biomeology, a prenatal wellness company. She is a wife, proud mom of two boys, a graduate of the University of Southern California, and a Functional Nutrition Coach. With a 10-year background in research, analytics, and leadership for a Fortune 100 company, Yasmine applies the same principles and attention to detail to every article she writes and researches.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sabrina says

    August 24, 2021 at 11:58 am

    Oh man, yes! My daughters labor contractions hurt, but my two boys? Nope. My second baby was a boy, and I was garage saling that morning, 8 days overdue. Had a dr appointment, did a sweep i never felt, went grocery shopping when I noticed my tummy tightening on its own. I get pretty big so it made walking tricky, which was why I noticed. I felt I was supposed to time them. When they got to 10 min apart I told my husband. We went to LW store for a bit and my sister who worked there was freaking out at me for not being at the hospital. Had lunch, went in, and the pain only started when I had to lay down and be hooked up to monitors. My previous labor was 15 hours, but this one was 6 from that first contraction I had while grocery shopping. My next labor was 2.5 hours and intense. My other son, my 5th baby, I was in labor 26 hours. I slept through contractions all night no problem. Went for a walk in town and was walking during contractions. No pain, just tightening. My water broke at my parents and my husband said we were going in, even though contractions were still 7 minutes apart. I walked all the way to the room, stopping for every other contraction, and was fully dilated upon arrival. Best birth experience ever, and while I did bleed a lot with him, it wasn’t enough to be a hemorrhage. I hemorrhage with all my girls. Due again this November and praying for an easy delivery with no hemorrhage.

    Reply
  2. Macey says

    October 13, 2020 at 11:35 pm

    You can definitely talk and walk through labor contractions I did it with my first son. One night I felt unbearable cramps and back pain that was it I went straight to the doctor didn’t even call the doc told me I was dilated to a 7 and to go straight to labor in delivery a few hours later I had my beautiful baby boy.

    Reply
  3. Macey says

    October 13, 2020 at 11:35 pm

    You can definitely talk and walk through labor contractions I did it with my first son. One night I felt unbearable cramps and back pain that was it I went straight to the doctor didn’t even call the doc told me I was dilated to a 7 and to go straight to labor in delivery a few hours later I had my beautiful baby boy.

    Reply
  4. Sammy says

    August 24, 2020 at 1:01 am

    I thought I was having braxton hicks & a little bit of moving with my 1st so nothing unusual.. I felt off balance though no pain? I went to the hospital & I was in labour, contracting & 4-5cm? Glad I’m not alone?! I felt silly not knowing! With my 2nd my water broke & I knew I was alive straight away! Pain from then! 3rd bub due in 9w, will be interesting!!??

    Reply
    • Ali says

      March 16, 2025 at 7:00 pm

      With my first, I had regular increasing contractions all day Saturday and went to L&D after dinner. they monitored me for an hour and I had no contractions at the hospital. as I was only 35 weeks they sent me home and said I was 3cm dilated but probably had a week or two to go. So the next day when I started having back pain and cramping I “knew” it wasn’t labor. It was memorial Day weekend and I spent most of the evening squatting in my friend’s bathroom to relieve the pressure during a bbq and when we finally went home, I got straight in the bath. At 2am, when I started throwing up, my husband convinced me to go back to the hospital so they could give me something to relieve my cramps – I still hadn’t felt a single contraction like I’d been told to expect. Turns out, baby had rotated and it was back labor. I was 10cm dilated by the time we got to the hospital and they had me start pushing in my nightgown! I laugh when I tell people I didn’t know it was labor but I’d been told 24 hrs before that the baby wasn’t coming for at least a week!!

      Reply
  5. Sammy says

    August 24, 2020 at 1:01 am

    I thought I was having braxton hicks & a little bit of moving with my 1st so nothing unusual.. I felt off balance though no pain? I went to the hospital & I was in labour, contracting & 4-5cm? Glad I’m not alone?! I felt silly not knowing! With my 2nd my water broke & I knew I was alive straight away! Pain from then! 3rd bub due in 9w, will be interesting!!??

    Reply
  6. Audrey says

    June 26, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    This is my 4th baby and I am due in 5 days. I’ve been having contractions (I went to triage a couple of
    times to find out I was having legit contractions) but I can’t feel them and have had the same exact experiences with my 3 previous pregnancies! I felt the crowning though!

    Reply
  7. Audrey says

    June 26, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    This is my 4th baby and I am due in 5 days. I’ve been having contractions (I went to triage a couple of
    times to find out I was having legit contractions) but I can’t feel them and have had the same exact experiences with my 3 previous pregnancies! I felt the crowning though!

    Reply
  8. Brynne says

    April 22, 2020 at 1:25 am

    So interesting that this popped up for me. My first baby, I was induced, and even while hooked up to pitocin, it didn’t feel any different to braxton hicks. It wasn’t till I was finally at 4 cm and they broke my water that I felt any pain. From breaking my water at 4cm to my baby girl being born was just under 5 hours.

    Reply
  9. Brynne says

    April 22, 2020 at 1:25 am

    So interesting that this popped up for me. My first baby, I was induced, and even while hooked up to pitocin, it didn’t feel any different to braxton hicks. It wasn’t till I was finally at 4 cm and they broke my water that I felt any pain. From breaking my water at 4cm to my baby girl being born was just under 5 hours.

    Reply
  10. Tamara says

    October 17, 2019 at 9:17 am

    My second labour was also a painless labour contractions type, but my water also never broke, my contractions never came close together, they were never rythmatic, or increasing in intensity. I only called a midwife because I was overdue and annoyed with the Braxton Hicks that hadn’t stopped all day and I was hoping if I annoyed them in the middle of the night they might induce me. They came to my house immediately and it turns out I was 8cm already. 4 contractions later it was time to push, they broke my water and I delivered a 9lbs12oz baby boy. After I checked the checklist they gave me for signs of labour and I had none of them, not right through the time he was in my arms. Now I tell ladies to call when something is up, ignore the checklist and follow your instincts.

    Reply
  11. Tamara says

    October 17, 2019 at 9:17 am

    My second labour was also a painless labour contractions type, but my water also never broke, my contractions never came close together, they were never rythmatic, or increasing in intensity. I only called a midwife because I was overdue and annoyed with the Braxton Hicks that hadn’t stopped all day and I was hoping if I annoyed them in the middle of the night they might induce me. They came to my house immediately and it turns out I was 8cm already. 4 contractions later it was time to push, they broke my water and I delivered a 9lbs12oz baby boy. After I checked the checklist they gave me for signs of labour and I had none of them, not right through the time he was in my arms. Now I tell ladies to call when something is up, ignore the checklist and follow your instincts.

    Reply
  12. Megan says

    October 12, 2019 at 6:06 pm

    This is exciting finding people I can relate to with my labor experience.
    My water partially broke one morning (@38 wks) but I wasn’t 100% sure it was my water breaking because it was such a small amount. I sat around the house, took a nap, went along with my day waiting for the excruciating contractions to come that I had heard so much about…well they never came. So I decided to call the doctor just to be sure I wasn’t in labor. They asked me to come in so they could check. When I went in, they said I was 3 cm dilated and needed to go to L & D. They asked if I was having any contractions and I said no, I couldn’t feel anything. They acted so surprised as if they dont see it happen. So fast forward to the nurse at the hospital putting the monitor on my belly, it showed me having contractions but I still didn’t feel them. I felt so blessed! It wasn’t until my water FULLY broke after being induced, that the pain came to me. And it came fast. By this time I was about 7cm and recieved the epidural just in time to start pushing. This was my first L & D experience, so maybe the next one wont be very painful either.
    I haven’t really wanted to share my experience with a lot of people because some women have such horrible pain that I felt they probably wouldnt want to hear how mine was a breeze! Well it wasn’t really a breeze right at the end, I hemorrhaged but that was fixed quickly. Thank you lord.
    But I’m glad you are informing others that you dont have to be having strong contractions to be in labor. It’s important to know because apparently theres a lot more women out there that this happens to than you would think! And what if I hadn’t of called the doctor and ended up giving birth and hemorrhaging at home! More women need to know that this type of labor happens. So thank you for getting it out there.

    Reply
  13. Megan says

    October 12, 2019 at 6:06 pm

    This is exciting finding people I can relate to with my labor experience.
    My water partially broke one morning (@38 wks) but I wasn’t 100% sure it was my water breaking because it was such a small amount. I sat around the house, took a nap, went along with my day waiting for the excruciating contractions to come that I had heard so much about…well they never came. So I decided to call the doctor just to be sure I wasn’t in labor. They asked me to come in so they could check. When I went in, they said I was 3 cm dilated and needed to go to L & D. They asked if I was having any contractions and I said no, I couldn’t feel anything. They acted so surprised as if they dont see it happen. So fast forward to the nurse at the hospital putting the monitor on my belly, it showed me having contractions but I still didn’t feel them. I felt so blessed! It wasn’t until my water FULLY broke after being induced, that the pain came to me. And it came fast. By this time I was about 7cm and recieved the epidural just in time to start pushing. This was my first L & D experience, so maybe the next one wont be very painful either.
    I haven’t really wanted to share my experience with a lot of people because some women have such horrible pain that I felt they probably wouldnt want to hear how mine was a breeze! Well it wasn’t really a breeze right at the end, I hemorrhaged but that was fixed quickly. Thank you lord.
    But I’m glad you are informing others that you dont have to be having strong contractions to be in labor. It’s important to know because apparently theres a lot more women out there that this happens to than you would think! And what if I hadn’t of called the doctor and ended up giving birth and hemorrhaging at home! More women need to know that this type of labor happens. So thank you for getting it out there.

    Reply
  14. Heather Harris says

    October 29, 2018 at 8:57 pm

    So just a quick question for second-time moms. I had a fairly quick labor with my first. All during pregnancy my female coworkers were telling horror stories of 36+ hour labors, having to be induced, etc. So I was going into this thinking I would have a 2 or 3 day labor. My water didn’t break, but I lost my mucus plug around 1 PM that day and then I think active labor started around 4 PM. I delivered the next morning at 4 AM. So active/transition labor was probably 12 hours. I had taken classes on natural birth but I really wasn’t prepared…so I got an epidural. I don’t want to do that with baby #2. I’ve heard second/third/fourth etc. births go a LOT quicker. Is this true? If so, is anyone willing to tell me the time difference in labors so I have an idea of how fast they are?
    With my first, the hospital was right down the street, but we switched insurances, so the closest hospital is a 30-40 minute drive, which is kind of stressing me out!! Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      October 31, 2018 at 7:52 am

      Hey Heather! Thanks for sharing your experience. To be honest, 2nd labor are USUALLY faster and easier because your body already went through it once. But it doesn’t always happen that way. My 2nd labor was much faster and waaayy easier. I think my 2nd labor lasted about half the time compared to the first. But I know of some women who have a harder time the 2nd, 3rd, etc…around. It all depends and although it’s not something you can predict, you can prepare your body for a quicker and easier labor. I have a post written about the steps I took to for a smoother delivery. Check it out, let me know what you think: https://fitmombirthgeek.com/how-to-prepare-your-body-for-an-easy-labor. Hope to hear back from you, all the best!

      Reply
  15. Heather Harris says

    October 29, 2018 at 8:57 pm

    So just a quick question for second-time moms. I had a fairly quick labor with my first. All during pregnancy my female coworkers were telling horror stories of 36+ hour labors, having to be induced, etc. So I was going into this thinking I would have a 2 or 3 day labor. My water didn’t break, but I lost my mucus plug around 1 PM that day and then I think active labor started around 4 PM. I delivered the next morning at 4 AM. So active/transition labor was probably 12 hours. I had taken classes on natural birth but I really wasn’t prepared…so I got an epidural. I don’t want to do that with baby #2. I’ve heard second/third/fourth etc. births go a LOT quicker. Is this true? If so, is anyone willing to tell me the time difference in labors so I have an idea of how fast they are?
    With my first, the hospital was right down the street, but we switched insurances, so the closest hospital is a 30-40 minute drive, which is kind of stressing me out!! Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      October 31, 2018 at 7:52 am

      Hey Heather! Thanks for sharing your experience. To be honest, 2nd labor are USUALLY faster and easier because your body already went through it once. But it doesn’t always happen that way. My 2nd labor was much faster and waaayy easier. I think my 2nd labor lasted about half the time compared to the first. But I know of some women who have a harder time the 2nd, 3rd, etc…around. It all depends and although it’s not something you can predict, you can prepare your body for a quicker and easier labor. I have a post written about the steps I took to for a smoother delivery. Check it out, let me know what you think: https://fitmombirthgeek.com/how-to-prepare-your-body-for-an-easy-labor. Hope to hear back from you, all the best!

      Reply
  16. Amanda Johnson says

    October 26, 2018 at 2:34 pm

    Same for me. I felt some contractions but nothing too bad it wasn’t hurting but it wasn’t stopping.. I called the hospital they said oh your not in labor I can tell from talking to you go to bed if they wake you in pain let me know. I went to bed slept all night woke up feeling nothing. I went to the ultrasound I had the next morning and they no more than put it on me called the dr and rushed me upstairs. I was in active labor they said and she didn’t say how dilated I was because when she checked there was a foot there so I got a c section in like 30 minutes lol. Thank God, i had an appointment that day or my baby could have been in real trouble… she came early on Christmas eve 🙂

    Reply
  17. Amanda Johnson says

    October 26, 2018 at 2:34 pm

    Same for me. I felt some contractions but nothing too bad it wasn’t hurting but it wasn’t stopping.. I called the hospital they said oh your not in labor I can tell from talking to you go to bed if they wake you in pain let me know. I went to bed slept all night woke up feeling nothing. I went to the ultrasound I had the next morning and they no more than put it on me called the dr and rushed me upstairs. I was in active labor they said and she didn’t say how dilated I was because when she checked there was a foot there so I got a c section in like 30 minutes lol. Thank God, i had an appointment that day or my baby could have been in real trouble… she came early on Christmas eve 🙂

    Reply
  18. Morgan | Skincare and The Self says

    August 10, 2018 at 3:54 pm

    First of all, love this blog! And second… 5 years ago when I went into labor with my first (a daughter), I was 41 weeks pregnant and woke up at 4am to just a cramp like pain. I stayed home for a few hours before going to hospital- I was definitely in labor but the pain wasn’t bad at all. So for any mommy’s out there preparing for the 1st one, it MAY not be as painful as you read it is!! I’m 36 weeks pregnant right now with my second, so I’m curious how this labor will play out!! Never knew about painless’ contractions, so glad I found this post!!

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      August 10, 2018 at 4:23 pm

      Aw thanks so much Morgan! Great piece of comforting advice: it isn’t always as “bad” as people make it sound. And you never know how it really is until you really try! I pray you have a safe and quick delivery and recovery. You did it once so I know you can do it again. Congrats on your new baby, you’re almost there!

      Thanks for reading 🙂 xx

      Reply
  19. Morgan | Skincare and The Self says

    August 10, 2018 at 3:54 pm

    First of all, love this blog! And second… 5 years ago when I went into labor with my first (a daughter), I was 41 weeks pregnant and woke up at 4am to just a cramp like pain. I stayed home for a few hours before going to hospital- I was definitely in labor but the pain wasn’t bad at all. So for any mommy’s out there preparing for the 1st one, it MAY not be as painful as you read it is!! I’m 36 weeks pregnant right now with my second, so I’m curious how this labor will play out!! Never knew about painless’ contractions, so glad I found this post!!

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      August 10, 2018 at 4:23 pm

      Aw thanks so much Morgan! Great piece of comforting advice: it isn’t always as “bad” as people make it sound. And you never know how it really is until you really try! I pray you have a safe and quick delivery and recovery. You did it once so I know you can do it again. Congrats on your new baby, you’re almost there!

      Thanks for reading 🙂 xx

      Reply
  20. Jalina King says

    May 8, 2018 at 3:27 pm

    So glad I came across this article recently AND it popped up in my Pinterest feed again today so I didn’t have to go looking for it 🙂 38.5 weeks, 4cm dilated, 80% effaced. Baby #2. The Dr. said he wouldn’t be surprised if I was in labor. We’re both thinking today or tomorrow will be the day! Having painless contractions all day but also that feeling of pressure that makes me have to stop when walking. Everything you described here. Thank you for this article!

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      May 8, 2018 at 3:38 pm

      Hey mama!
      Already 4cm? I also wouldn’t be surprised if your baby get’s here within the next day or 2! I really hope that you are though so maybe by the time you feel any pain (if any) you’ll already be 10cm along lol! I’m glad you found this post to be helpful and I wish you a quick and speedy delivery and recovery. Much love

      xx

      Reply
  21. Jalina King says

    May 8, 2018 at 3:27 pm

    So glad I came across this article recently AND it popped up in my Pinterest feed again today so I didn’t have to go looking for it 🙂 38.5 weeks, 4cm dilated, 80% effaced. Baby #2. The Dr. said he wouldn’t be surprised if I was in labor. We’re both thinking today or tomorrow will be the day! Having painless contractions all day but also that feeling of pressure that makes me have to stop when walking. Everything you described here. Thank you for this article!

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      May 8, 2018 at 3:38 pm

      Hey mama!
      Already 4cm? I also wouldn’t be surprised if your baby get’s here within the next day or 2! I really hope that you are though so maybe by the time you feel any pain (if any) you’ll already be 10cm along lol! I’m glad you found this post to be helpful and I wish you a quick and speedy delivery and recovery. Much love

      xx

      Reply
  22. Megan says

    May 7, 2018 at 10:56 pm

    I never felt any contractions with either of my two. My first my water was leaking so after 24 hours they had to do pitocin because of risk of infection once that pitocin kicked in (which I will refuse
    Next time) I was in so much pain. But 3 hours later he was here. Then my second my water broke and no contractions. Then all the sudden boom. Raced to hospital got there checked in at 6:22 pm had him at 6:24 pm. Nurses were amazed. My midwife didn’t make it to the birth. 2 nurses and my husband delivered him! Now I’m 23 weeks with my third and I’m so nervous but if I have to have baby at home I will. Best thing ever was no epidural

    Xoxo

    Reply
  23. Megan says

    May 7, 2018 at 10:56 pm

    I never felt any contractions with either of my two. My first my water was leaking so after 24 hours they had to do pitocin because of risk of infection once that pitocin kicked in (which I will refuse
    Next time) I was in so much pain. But 3 hours later he was here. Then my second my water broke and no contractions. Then all the sudden boom. Raced to hospital got there checked in at 6:22 pm had him at 6:24 pm. Nurses were amazed. My midwife didn’t make it to the birth. 2 nurses and my husband delivered him! Now I’m 23 weeks with my third and I’m so nervous but if I have to have baby at home I will. Best thing ever was no epidural

    Xoxo

    Reply
  24. Eliza says

    May 4, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    At least your midwife told you to go to the hospital! Mine kept saying since I was still talking I was fine! Then finally she came out which took way to long! She realized I was actually 8cm (we live far from a hospital) so we rushed over! Was not impressed since this was my first I didn’t know what to expect.

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      May 5, 2018 at 9:59 pm

      Ugh I wish they would stop telling women this!!! I’m sure it would be ok if you planned to have the baby at home but what if you’re not? LOL. At least you made it to the hospital on time and now you know not to gauge whether or not you are in real labor by that 1 symptom! Thanks so much for sharing your story and for reading mine!

      xx

      Reply
  25. Eliza says

    May 4, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    At least your midwife told you to go to the hospital! Mine kept saying since I was still talking I was fine! Then finally she came out which took way to long! She realized I was actually 8cm (we live far from a hospital) so we rushed over! Was not impressed since this was my first I didn’t know what to expect.

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      May 5, 2018 at 9:59 pm

      Ugh I wish they would stop telling women this!!! I’m sure it would be ok if you planned to have the baby at home but what if you’re not? LOL. At least you made it to the hospital on time and now you know not to gauge whether or not you are in real labor by that 1 symptom! Thanks so much for sharing your story and for reading mine!

      xx

      Reply
  26. Nicole says

    May 3, 2018 at 5:16 pm

    I wasn’t told about the not able to talk through labor, though I heard that was a sign of strong active labor. My provider does the 5-1-1 rule. 5 contractions lasting 1 minute each in 1 hour regardless of pain is grounds to call the office. They then ask questions and have you cone in to be checked, they hook you up and do a quick cervix check. Confirm your 5-1-1 and monitor the intensity. They then either admit you, send you home, or have you wait a bit in the office and check you again in 2 hrs to see how quickly you progress. I was okay being sent home because they reassured me I followed directions and gave me new things to look for as well.

    I thought the 5-1-1 was a big rule most places follow.

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      May 5, 2018 at 10:02 pm

      The 5-1-1 rule is good because it shows that labor is consistent but just like everything else with pregnancy, labor, and childbirth, it doesn’t apply to all women. It didn’t apply to be at least with me 2nd baby. Still, it’s a good standard by which OBs and midwives can assess whether or not a mom is in labor. Thanks so much for reading!

      xx

      Reply
  27. Nicole says

    May 3, 2018 at 5:16 pm

    I wasn’t told about the not able to talk through labor, though I heard that was a sign of strong active labor. My provider does the 5-1-1 rule. 5 contractions lasting 1 minute each in 1 hour regardless of pain is grounds to call the office. They then ask questions and have you cone in to be checked, they hook you up and do a quick cervix check. Confirm your 5-1-1 and monitor the intensity. They then either admit you, send you home, or have you wait a bit in the office and check you again in 2 hrs to see how quickly you progress. I was okay being sent home because they reassured me I followed directions and gave me new things to look for as well.

    I thought the 5-1-1 was a big rule most places follow.

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      May 5, 2018 at 10:02 pm

      The 5-1-1 rule is good because it shows that labor is consistent but just like everything else with pregnancy, labor, and childbirth, it doesn’t apply to all women. It didn’t apply to be at least with me 2nd baby. Still, it’s a good standard by which OBs and midwives can assess whether or not a mom is in labor. Thanks so much for reading!

      xx

      Reply
  28. Tramayne says

    May 3, 2018 at 9:17 am

    It happened to me! At my last regularly scheduled appointment, the doctor told me to head straight to the hospital after a quick glance at the machine (Doppler, maybe?). She asked, don’t you feel contractions? I said, no but I’m pretty hungry lol thank goodness my mom was with me. We went to the hospital after a quick pit stop to grab a bite to eat!

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      May 3, 2018 at 5:08 pm

      That’s amazing and LOL at “no, but I’m pretty hungry” I could imagine the doctor looking at you like you’re nuts. Thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply
  29. Tramayne says

    May 3, 2018 at 9:17 am

    It happened to me! At my last regularly scheduled appointment, the doctor told me to head straight to the hospital after a quick glance at the machine (Doppler, maybe?). She asked, don’t you feel contractions? I said, no but I’m pretty hungry lol thank goodness my mom was with me. We went to the hospital after a quick pit stop to grab a bite to eat!

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      May 3, 2018 at 5:08 pm

      That’s amazing and LOL at “no, but I’m pretty hungry” I could imagine the doctor looking at you like you’re nuts. Thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply
  30. Brandy says

    May 2, 2018 at 10:10 am

    With my second, my contractions were pretty much painless until my water broke and I hit transition. The nurses at the hospital were so weirded out that there woukd be a huge contration recorded on their monitor but I hardly even noticed anything was happening lol.
    So different from my first. I was in excruciating pain from th very begining of labor with her. It’s crazy how different each labor and delivery is.

    Reply
  31. Brandy says

    May 2, 2018 at 10:10 am

    With my second, my contractions were pretty much painless until my water broke and I hit transition. The nurses at the hospital were so weirded out that there woukd be a huge contration recorded on their monitor but I hardly even noticed anything was happening lol.
    So different from my first. I was in excruciating pain from th very begining of labor with her. It’s crazy how different each labor and delivery is.

    Reply
  32. KrisBeeMama says

    May 2, 2018 at 9:48 am

    Thankfully, there was no question if I was in real labor with either of my boys!

    Reply
  33. KrisBeeMama says

    May 2, 2018 at 9:48 am

    Thankfully, there was no question if I was in real labor with either of my boys!

    Reply
  34. Marian says

    May 2, 2018 at 9:38 am

    Wow I thought my friend was crazy when she said that she didn’t know she was in labor because she didn’t feel any pain and now you’re saying it happens! I will have to show her this because she thought it was also weird that she didn’t feel anything and the doctors were like “ma’am you need to go to the hospital now”. Lol. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  35. Marian says

    May 2, 2018 at 9:38 am

    Wow I thought my friend was crazy when she said that she didn’t know she was in labor because she didn’t feel any pain and now you’re saying it happens! I will have to show her this because she thought it was also weird that she didn’t feel anything and the doctors were like “ma’am you need to go to the hospital now”. Lol. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  36. Nichole says

    April 29, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    I just had my baby 2 weeks ago. I had no signs of going into labor anytime soon (no nesting mode, no braxton hicks, no mucus plug signs, no water breaking) i was 40 weeks and with it being my first I figured I would go way past my due date. Suddenly at 2:30am on Saturday morning (i was due the day before) I began to cramp really bad and have contractions, I swore it was braxton hicks. My contractions were consistently over a minute long but werent regular (5 min apart, 10 min apart, 7 min apart, 22 min apart etc) I timed them for 2 hrs before waking up my husband he told me to go to the hospital I said no its false labor, finally after a hour (now 3 hrs after my first contraction) we went to the hospital. I was 8 cm dilated when we got there. Never again will I wait that long to go to the hospital.

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      April 29, 2018 at 9:21 pm

      Nichole, congratulations on your new baby!! Thanks for sharing your birth story, that was amazing that you went through all of that not even knowing that you were in labor. And the fact that you got to the hospital already 8cm dilated?! Wow. It’s definitely scary when you look back and think that you could’ve probably given birth at home if you hadn’t gone in when you did, but I am glad that you managed to make it to L&D just in time. I wish you a speedy recovery and a wonderful postpartum. Thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply
  37. Nichole says

    April 29, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    I just had my baby 2 weeks ago. I had no signs of going into labor anytime soon (no nesting mode, no braxton hicks, no mucus plug signs, no water breaking) i was 40 weeks and with it being my first I figured I would go way past my due date. Suddenly at 2:30am on Saturday morning (i was due the day before) I began to cramp really bad and have contractions, I swore it was braxton hicks. My contractions were consistently over a minute long but werent regular (5 min apart, 10 min apart, 7 min apart, 22 min apart etc) I timed them for 2 hrs before waking up my husband he told me to go to the hospital I said no its false labor, finally after a hour (now 3 hrs after my first contraction) we went to the hospital. I was 8 cm dilated when we got there. Never again will I wait that long to go to the hospital.

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      April 29, 2018 at 9:21 pm

      Nichole, congratulations on your new baby!! Thanks for sharing your birth story, that was amazing that you went through all of that not even knowing that you were in labor. And the fact that you got to the hospital already 8cm dilated?! Wow. It’s definitely scary when you look back and think that you could’ve probably given birth at home if you hadn’t gone in when you did, but I am glad that you managed to make it to L&D just in time. I wish you a speedy recovery and a wonderful postpartum. Thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply
  38. Kristeena says

    April 26, 2018 at 5:22 pm

    Every labor is so different! When I was at the hospital, I actually didn’t feel my baby start to come out. Nurses came to check on me and saw the head crowning. It was quite the experience haha

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      April 26, 2018 at 10:05 pm

      What??? Omg I thought mine was crazy but yours? Wow lol that’s amazing not to even feel your baby coming out. That “ring of fire” is FIRE! So to not feel that must have been amazing. Thanks for reading!

      xx

      Reply
  39. Kristeena says

    April 26, 2018 at 5:22 pm

    Every labor is so different! When I was at the hospital, I actually didn’t feel my baby start to come out. Nurses came to check on me and saw the head crowning. It was quite the experience haha

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      April 26, 2018 at 10:05 pm

      What??? Omg I thought mine was crazy but yours? Wow lol that’s amazing not to even feel your baby coming out. That “ring of fire” is FIRE! So to not feel that must have been amazing. Thanks for reading!

      xx

      Reply
  40. Jackie says

    April 25, 2018 at 2:10 pm

    I didnt have to worry about any of this because my water broke (I have twins.) You’re right- there is no definitive way to really be sure! And every single labor is different.

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      April 25, 2018 at 4:45 pm

      Yup, you’re right every labor is different. You just never know! Thanks for reading mama!

      xx

      Reply
  41. Jackie says

    April 25, 2018 at 2:10 pm

    I didnt have to worry about any of this because my water broke (I have twins.) You’re right- there is no definitive way to really be sure! And every single labor is different.

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      April 25, 2018 at 4:45 pm

      Yup, you’re right every labor is different. You just never know! Thanks for reading mama!

      xx

      Reply
  42. Harmony, Momma To Go says

    April 25, 2018 at 12:40 pm

    I dont think my first (LONG) comment went thru – but something similar happened to me with my second. It was never really a painful thing until I got to the hospital! She was born like 3 hours later!

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      April 25, 2018 at 12:51 pm

      No worries mama. It’s amazing isn’t?? but still a very strange experience! If only all of our labor were like this. lol, thanks for reading! 🙂

      xx

      Reply
  43. Harmony, Momma To Go says

    April 25, 2018 at 12:40 pm

    I dont think my first (LONG) comment went thru – but something similar happened to me with my second. It was never really a painful thing until I got to the hospital! She was born like 3 hours later!

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      April 25, 2018 at 12:51 pm

      No worries mama. It’s amazing isn’t?? but still a very strange experience! If only all of our labor were like this. lol, thanks for reading! 🙂

      xx

      Reply
  44. Lee says

    April 25, 2018 at 11:23 am

    I actually heard about this on the radio yesterday. How some women are in labor and don’t even know it. I was shocked. Never having been pregnant I had no idea that could happen. What a crazy experience

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      April 25, 2018 at 12:09 pm

      Yes it’s crazy. Lol I was so shocked to say the least! Thanks for reading Lee!

      xx

      Reply
  45. Lee says

    April 25, 2018 at 11:23 am

    I actually heard about this on the radio yesterday. How some women are in labor and don’t even know it. I was shocked. Never having been pregnant I had no idea that could happen. What a crazy experience

    Reply
    • Lifeofababe says

      April 25, 2018 at 12:09 pm

      Yes it’s crazy. Lol I was so shocked to say the least! Thanks for reading Lee!

      xx

      Reply

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