Hi John and Doves,

 

Phil, your other post: - http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/march2011/phil312-2.htm

 

Are you saying that we seem to be on a countdown - as in 5,4,3,2,1, blast off (numbers wise)? Because that's how real contractions work as well. They get closer together. The first "pangs" (such a mild word) when one is giving birth, are far apart. They start off (when one is in labor, proper) about half an hour apart. The hospital will tell you to only come in when the contractions are regular and approx 5 minutes apart. Initially, the intensity of the contractions (labor pains) are not too significant. It's the regularity that is the key to true labor resulting in child birth. The minute a pattern develops, you KNOW you are in true labor and not just experiencing Braxton Hicks (a form of 'practice' type contractions that a woman experiences in preparation for the real thing) These Braxton Hicks are as involuntary as true labor pain. They just happen and, whilst uncomfortable, they are not painful as such. A woman knows that the birth is close when the contractions almost blend into each other. There's very little respite in between. An in depth, comprehensive study of the birthing process is crying out to be done by a Christian female, medical professional. Someone who has experienced childbirth as well. Actually - any professional insight would be of enormous value.

 

YSIC

 

Fay