Fetal Movement Concerns & Early Labor Symptoms at 30.5 Weeks - What to Expect

Question
Hi! I am 30.5 weeks pregnant and went to labor and delivery yesterday for lack of fetal movement. I had also been experiencing diarhea and lower back cramping for a couple of days. The cramps would occasionally travel to the front lower abdomen also. The baby appeared to be in great shape, and I was told I was having mild contractions but not at regular intervals. I was also %25 effaced, but not dilated. The doctor told me that if the pains became more intense to come back in because I would most likely be having pre term labor. I occasionally feel the cramping still. I guess my question is this..is it normal to experience effacement and these sort of contractions at this stage of pregnancy? I've had Braxton Hicks since week 20..but those felt much different. I see my OB in two weeks...is it ok to wait that long? I apprciate any advice you might have! Thank you!

Answer
In order to avoid preterm labor, make sure you are well hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids during the day. If you start to have contractions AT THE LEVEL OF YOUR BELLYBUTTON
that are less than 10 minutes (from the start of the contraction to the start of the next contraction) and each contraction lasts at least 45 seconds (ignore any that are less than 30 seconds), first try drinking a full quart of water. If the contractions continue, go to the hospital. It is quite normal at 31 weeks to be 25-50% effaced, but your contractions should be mild. Usually they are in your back and are more than 20 minutes apart. As long as you feel the baby moving (at least 10 times in 10 hours) and you are not having any bleeding or break your water, just wait for labor (as described above) to begin. Good luck.