Understanding False Labor: What You Need to Know

Question
I woke up with contractions that were 5 minutes apart and this lasted an hour before i finally went to the hospital. I was dialated to a 3 and they made me walk for an hour. I was still dilated to a 3 but my contractions were now 2 minutes apart. They were very painful. The doctor gave me some pain medicine and sent me home. They said i was probably dehydrated and that sent me into labor. Is this a common occurrence. And is the real thing coming soon? I am so ready to have this baby. I was for sure i was in real labor. And every since i came home from the hospital i have had this brown slimy stuff coming out. Is this my mucus plug?

Answer
Dear Michelle,

Yes, I would suspect that the brown "slimy" discharge is likely your mucus plug. As the cervix begins to change - to stretch, dilate, and thin out - in preparation for labor, you may notice the loss of some of that mucus in a thick, sticky discharge. It can be clear, pink-tinged, brown-tinged, or even streaked with a bit of red blood. This is all normal and does not necessarily mean that labor is beginning. Labor can be days or weeks away. It simply means that your cervix is beginning the process of getting ready for labor and delivery. There is typically no need to call your doctor right away unless you note a discharge contains bright red bleeding of more than about 2-3 tablespoons in amount.

And yes, dehydration can stimulate uterine contractions. It is very important to stay hydrated - especially in the last weeks of pregnancy. You will need to be well hydrated throughout the labor process because you will not be able to eat or drink anything. This is because it often will result in nausea and vomiting during labor and if, by chance, you would happen to need anesthesia, you will need to have an empty stomach.

Unfortunately, I can't tell you when the baby will arrive or labor will start. I know these last weeks are SO frustrating and you are ready for things to get going and for the baby to get here. But babies have a way of only coming when THEY get good and ready to. They tend to have their own timetable and they run this show. :-) It's actually good preparation...they have their own timetable for many things to come and often it does not coincide with yours!
But they are SO worth it in the end.

I hope this has helped you and answered your questions. I wish you well and a blessed delivery.

Brenda