So the past two weeks I've been having contractions, nothing close enough or strong enough to make me worry, and a lot of back cramping and pain, and last friday I was told I was 70% effaced and 1cm dilated, and my body seems to be "clearing out". I called today and talked to a nurse, although pretty sure it was all normal. She told me that it sounded like it was the beginning of slow labour? And that if my contractions get more intense and closer together then call again, but I should expect to experience this for a between a few days to another week or more.

Has anyone else been through this, or know what she's talking about? I just need it explained to me better Does this mean I am in slow labour or what?

Is this your first? It is very common to have what feels like the early stages of labor for a few weeks before actually going into active labor. Your body is just taking this time to prepare, and it's probably going to actually help you later on, the fact that you are effacing and dilating early... your active labor might be fairly quick, so that's a good thing! I wouldn't say you are in "labor" yet, but it's just your body preparing. When the contractions become more intense and closer together (and regular), and you have other signs like bloody show and/or water breaking, then you are very close.

I had what they called "prodromal labor" which is a long early phase of labor. But the contractions were strong enough to keep me from sleeping... it's just that they weren't coming at regular intervals. I would get them every 5 minutes for a few hours, then they'd space apart to 10, and then stop for a little bit... it was very erratic. My cervix was slowly dilating as well... the eventually had to give me pitocin to regulate the contractions and that jumpstarted labor. They only did it because I was very uncomfortable and exhausted by that time. So... if you do get to the point where you are just exhausted or in pain then you might want to check into the hospital and jumpstart your labor.

Thank you so much! That is a lot clearer than how she explained it (which she barely did). I really just wasn't sure what she meant. Yes, this is my first and I don't feel like it is anything to worry about really, other than being uncomfortable--I figured LO will come when he's ready and my body is doing it's thing. Do you think I should expect this over the next week then, if active labor is far enough off? I am hoping so, I want OH to be home to be with me before LO decides to come.

Thank you again

It really could get stronger at any time so it's hard to say... sometimes it's days, sometimes weeks... but yeah, when he's ready to come he will! Nothing to worry about either, because you are full term so he's free to come anytime

Kind of what I figured, hopefully OH will be home by the time he does.

But the little jerk is def his son, and will come when he feels like it Glad to hear this sounds pretty normal though.

I was in 'slow labor' with my LO for nearly 2 weeks before I had him, kept getting contractions for a few hours that got stronger and were regular then just disappeared! Clear out, major nesting etc, then one day the contractions just didn't stop!
It is annoying but just try make sure you get a lot of rest now and keep your energy up as it could get going any time x

I'm in the same boat as you.. 1-2cm & 50% effaced.. I've been having tons of random contractions.. slow labor for us!

^ That really sucks. -.- It's extremely uncomfortable, I get contractions that will be really spaced out but regular, then they will stop for hours..then start again. :/

I am going to be extremely unhappy if it takes him two weeks to decide he's ready

i was in slow labour with DD for over a week and it was very draining, emotionally and physically on my body. its basically just your body gearing up and doing its prep work for labour. the smaller contractions tend to be more discreet and work on the things that usually make the latent (first) stage of labour take the longest.. so in theory it should actually shorten your labour length a little as when the true contractions kick in (the ones that cause you to dialate properly and bring the baby down) your body has already been working on effacement and bringing the cervix to the anterior position from its original posterior position so it essentially can 'skip' these steps.

it really can be annoying, but the best way to look at it is as frustrating as it is, it means things are progressing nicely

I have been going through the same thing the last 3 days. Although uncomfortable, I am actually glad for the lengthy start. We have a wedding to go to today, and our store grand opening tomorrow. Lol.