induction set and ??? about stripping membranes

I saw my OB today and he was pretty disappointed that my NST didn't show any contractions.  He set me up for an induction for Monday morning at 5:30 am unless Gabriel decides to make an appearance before then.  If I have any contractions this weekend, I need to go to L&D and he'll admit me and start the induction then.

He stripped my membranes during the exam and said this might help trigger more consistent contractions.  Here's my question:  I'm not having contractions but some pretty major cramps.  Is this normal?  Do the cramps last long?  Are they possibly leading up to bigger contractions?

Thanks everyone.

I don't have any advice as I haven't had a baby. I just wanted to wish you luck on a safe and easy delivery of little Gabriel!

Traci

Thanks so much, Traci.  I appreciate it.

I'm still preggo with baby #1 but can't contractions feel like cramps? Is there any sort of pattern to them?

GOod luck and I hope that your little man makes his appearance soon!
 Here's to a quick, easy and as painless as possible delivery!

Liz

You're right!  They can feel like cramps.  That was actually what they felt like when I first went to the hospital at 22 weeks and they said I was in pre-term labor.  If they don't ease up, I'll call my doctor.  He said he's on call from tonight through the whole weekend.

Thanks for the good wishes!  I think I'm more nervous with this one because I know more of what to expect. 

When I went into labor with my son I thought it felt like menstrual cramps or gas pains.  He was born 6 weeks early so I honestly thought it was either false labor or I had to go to the bathroom.  It was nothing like  had anticipated.  I thought it would hurt way more than it did.  I tried to sleep it off and ended up laboring at home for 8 hours and was dialated to 3 cm by the time I got to the hospital.  So with that said I think that everyone probably interprets contractions differently. 

Start keeping track of when you feel the cramps and for how long.  If you have a few an hour I would say call the doc and see if he wants you to go in. 

Thanks.  I think I will do what you said.  They are a little hard to time though because they are pretty constant.  I layed down for a bit and they eased up some but as soon as I got back up, they picked back up.  I have a feeling that I'll be talking to my doctor before long.

Good luck!  If you are ready for the baby I hope it happens soon!

Soooooooooooooo how are you this morning?!

Nothing progressed overnight. :(  However, I got one of the best nights of sleep that I have had in such a long time.  Thank you Tylenol PM.  I might venture to the mall this morning and do a little walking.  Thanks for asking!