[wanttobemommy]

i have noticed that i am having completely painless contractions I know that these are what drs consider to be braxton hicks contractions my question is when I was hooked up to the monitors they were coming every four or five minutes they were not lasting more than 30 secs or so. Do these contractions actually help you dialate or are they just my body getting ready to have real ones that do something. I know this seems like a stupid question but I am curious and can never get a real answer from my dr.

[Alejandros Mommy]

Yes the can...if you are having them even while lying down they are "real contractions"...Sounds to me like your babe could be here any day You've already made it past what I did with Aiden

[MiracleBaby06]

truthfully they do both, they get ur body ready for the real deal as well as soften and open ur cervix. ur so close to holding ur lil one

[angelic_ky]

from what i've been told they do help to dilate but not very much i think help more with just getting the baby down and into positions; it's the painful ones that really does the dilating... but i could be wrong

[wanttobemommy]

I have these contractions all day long in any position. I am surprised I have made it this far and will be even more if I make it another two or three weeks. I have made it farther than anyone in my family has.. The dr did mention he will probably strip my membranes at my 38 weeks appt not this monday but next. He said that he will strip them only if my blood pressure is still down since that can speed things up a little and maybe I can avoid the mag/sul. That is why i was wondering if they dialate you at all. My dr will admit you if you are 4 cm and give pitocin to help speed things up. So I am hoping to make it to 4 soon. I am patient and can wait the next three weeks (but i really dont want to )

[wanna be a young mother]

I agree with everyone... I heard they do both. I never got to have the "nice" contractions....mine went from nothing to OMG I THINK I AM GOING TO DIE!!! I cant wait either kristin hurry up and have that baby !

[Kats Playland]

I heard they did both too. I know several ppl that swear on thier life that walking helps go into labor sooner. If you can try taking a few walks a day, but make sure you have someone with you! Best of luck and can't wait to see if you're having a boy or a girl.

[angelic_ky]

oh yes, i think the walking helped me; the days before labour i couldn't sit still but i wasn't able to go for a walk so i just keep walking around the house and yard

[Tracey with 6]

yes they do help it prepare , or it seems they do, I'm with every one else, walk walk walk oh and sex helps too! : )

[MiaCamille]

Originally Posted by Tracey with 6

yes they do help it prepare , or it seems they do, I'm with every one else, walk walk walk oh and sex helps too! : )

i agree with all of that...