How do you know for sure it's labor?

Everyone describes labor differently. I don't know if this is very early labor or the flu.

I've been feverish for the past 2 days, and really nauseus and a backache today. When the baby moves, I get these shooting pains that start in my crotch and radiate. But they are fast, only like 10 seconds.

The doctor told me at my internal on Thursday that the baby's head is 'very low, already at zero station' but I was only 25% effaced and 1cm dilated.

I really don't think it's labor, but I'm just not sure. Thanks.
Cathy

Ummm, I would call the doctor. That sounds like labor to me sweetie How far along are you?

I felt nauseaus (sp) and had backache just before my water broke. I would still call - babies come when they want, not when the doctor says so Good luck!

He said that I should get some sleep and see how I feel in the am. DH is a nervous wreck now. LOL.

I think he's just trying to keep me calm, he told my girlfriend when she was in early labor that it was a stomach bug and she should drink gatorade. After she delivered he told her that's his tactic to keep mommies to be from focusing on it too much and not resting.

We'll see....

Well I dont know if you are gone already but with both my kids, the back pain was the same. With my son my water broke so there was no mistake but with my daughter, my water didnt break but the back pain was the giveaway for me.

Good luck!!!

ETA: I was only 1cm dialated on a Thu as well and had my son very early the following Monday. It can move quickly.

I saw my doc on a Thursday evening in my 37th week and he told me baby was no where near ready..... My son was born that Sunday morning after my water broke. You're not too early at all!

Had the same thing.. the pain and pressure just kept increasing.. I will keep my fingers crossed for you!! Just try to stay relaxed! Good Luck!

Just wondering how you are feeling Cathy....

Thank you all for the responses. The doctor said it was a bug after all, I feel totally normal today. No fever, only a very slight backache and not too much pain when the baby's moving.

I was really hoping that we'd be meeting the baby a little sooner than we expected. Oh well. It's just so hard to stay patient, I can't wait!

I'll be sure to let you know when it looks like the real deal, as well as when my bambino finally makes his/her entrance!