And extremely frustrated. No, there is no baby. It all started around 10:30 last night, when my contractions began to be regular and very painful. For more than an hour, they were five minutes apart and lasting about a minute. At one point, I was in tears. Now, this being my fourth, I just knew it was time.

So around 1 a.m., we take the kids to my mom's and I check into the hospital, where they strap me to a monitor. Sure enough, nurse says, your contractions are consistent and about every five minutes. Not to mention, still very painful.

We all think I am about to go from triage to a permanent room when she has to do one last thing: check my cervix. Hmmm...well, you are only one centimeter dilated and barely effaced.

So she tells me we can go home, that I am either in pre-labor or that the contractions will go away all together.

Since they are so painful, my mid-wife prescribes me something to help me sleep through the contractions.

Needless to say, I had a very long night and just kind of rolled out of bed around 11 a.m. The contractions are no more, and here I am with no baby!

This is my fourth and I have never had contractions like that unless I was actually in full labor. What's up with that????

Looks like this baby is going to make us all wait a little longer to find out, boy or girl. Thanks for all the well wishes

Sorry you had such a frustrating night. But don't feel too bad it happens all the time. Even when I was pregnant with my second one I statyed up all night, in awful pain, telling my husband I was ready for the epidural. I didn't go to the hospital b/c I wanted to wait until the last minute. Well the last minute never came. I finally fell asleep at 10am. I did however have a baby at 9pm that same day. So even as a L&D nurse I didn't know I wasn't in labor. Trust me I must send home at least one person everytime I work for the very same reason. The good news they usually come back w/in 24-48 hrs to have a baby. It's also more comfortable to be at home during those early stages of labor. Sounds like your body is trying to get ready. Anytime you come to triage we have to assess the status of the baby to make sure they are still healthy. Hang in there.

I'm sure that was super frustrating! I agree with MamaC though...I bet that means any minute now!!

Hang in there! The baby will be here before you know it. I am praying for you both! I can't wait to meet him(I think it's a boy)

Oh wow! I can't believe that! It's going to happen soon! I hope you can sleep well tonight!

Thank you all for your support! I just blogged about my non-eventful night Last night was very peaceful. Almost too peaceful. Does it mean anything? I don't know, but I am just going to relax and let it happen before I drive myself crazy wondering when.