Mumsnet Talk

I lost my mucus plug on Saturday (just clear jelly, no blood), had the odd twinge over the weekend and felt a bit strange, today I am having period-like pains which are getting gradually worse. Perfectly manageable atm though, and I'm only 38+3 so this could go on for days/weeks right? And even if it is the very beginning of actual labour it's almost certainly going to take a long time. So far have been getting some work done (have study at home) to distract myself. Any other tips for this stage - a hot water bottle maybe? should I stay still or try moving around? have a snack? DP should be home about 7.30 so is it reasonable not to bother him yet and see how things go?

Sorry for clueless questions. Have had such an horrendous pregnancy (very ill) that I haven't really focused on this bit!

I'd get him to come home. It could take a while but it could also decide to get going really fast, you just don't know so best to have him with you.

Congratulations!

Just do whatever feels comfortable for you whether that's watching TV with a hot water bottle, pacing around or rocking on a birth ball. The only right answer is what feels right for you, trust your instincts.

Thanks Indith. We don't have a birth ball (or a TENS machine unlike the rest of my NCT group, I discovered last week!) and I've been on crutches for months with SPD so a bit limited with the pacing. But I do have quite a strong instinct to sort of rock my pelvis around so will do that. Also feel very cold suddenly so have turned heating up and will make hot water bottle. Hope this is it but will try not to get too excited yet in case it's a false alarm!

I wouldn't get him to come home just yet

I had SPD and found gently circling my hips worked well in the early stages which as you say can go on a while

have a snack and a drink and potter about for a bit

not a lot else you can do really except get really excited and nervous all at the same time

good luck

depends how long it'll take him to get home if things suddenly crank up a gear, and how long to hospital.
My dp was over an hour away so I took no chances!

Have you got some nice music to listen to or movie/boxsets to watch while you rock away?
I remember sitting up for hours overnight not knowing what to do with myself, and had a nice hot bath.

Thanks both. It would only take him 30 mins or so to get back and the hospital is just at the end of the street - 5 mins at most in a cab - so I don't think I'll text him quite yet. It really does just feel like period pain at the moment, and my waters haven't gone or anything. To be honest I think maybe I prefer being on my own at this stage! I feel calm for now anyway.

It sounds like you don't need to bother him yet (unless you want to of course), I took some paracetamol in the early stages which helped a bit, then I snuggled up and read mumsnet...until my waters gushed everywhere an hour later! Then I did have to get my DH! Make sure you put a towel down where you're sitting!

I wouldn't do anything yet, while the pains are not too bad - you're right, this can go on for a while. How far apart are they (time from the beginning of each one)?

Good tip about the towel, hadn't thought about that, will get one just in case.

Not sure about timing as have just been working so far to distract myself but will try timing them now.

Just stay nice and chilled and if you are hungry eat something - good for energy when things really get going. Something simple like toast and move when you have pain, rest in between and take paracetemol when it gets to the point where you think you need it.

How's it going?

there's an online contraction timer which I had going - you just have to push a button.

try and eat something healthy if you can to keep you going later.

have you let him know you think things are getting started?

How are you feeling?

I'd never take chances, took me 5 mins to go from "i need a hot water bottle" to continual contractions .

Hope all going well and you meet your baby soon

Well I've tried timing but it's a bit difficult because it's more like a constant crampy feeling which gets worse for a bit every few minutes but doesn't really go away completely in between. (My period pain is like that too.) Does that mean it's not early labour do you think?

I haven't texted him, no. Don't feel convinced enough yet! Thanks for all the tips.

I'd be tempted to text him and ask him to make sure that he leaves on time and doesn't get sidetracked or stop off anywhere.

Personally I'd text him & let him know about the pains so he is aware that he might need to leave sooner than planned.

I'd let him know.
I had lingering pains that went on and off for a couple of days but once things got going properly I knew within an hour that things were intense enough and regular enough.

I had a lovely midwife who did a home visit and checked me - I was having a home birth though and my waters had gone.

Yes, definitely eat now as you won't want to in labour and you need the energy.

How's it going now?

Id get him home, I started that at midnight and dd was here at 9.50. Hot water bottles a plenty

Have to be a bit careful with eating as have been throwing up for the entire pregnancy (hyperemesis). But have managed a ham sandwich and some ribena. And actually don't feel too sick atm which is a bit suspicious in itself as the nausea has been continuous for nine months!

If you'd rather he was there with you, then give him a call. I preferred being on my own for the first part - I stayed upstairs pretending to read while DH watched tv downstairs because I didn't want him constantly asking how I was feeling. I'm aware that's what we're all doing now though!

Also I threw up throughout my labour- be careful. Have you had a bath? How are you doing now

Yes, was expecting to throw up all the way through given what my pregnancy has been like! Planning to have a bath in a little while. Feel fine to be honest, the pain is really not that bad so if this is the beginning and not a false alarm I think it's going to go pretty slowly!

Well nothing much happening here. Still grumbling away with the period-y cramps but no significant escalation so I reckon either it's a false alarm or I'm in for a long haul. Decided not to summon DP in the end and he'll be back fairly soon now in any case.

I had it like this for four days, . Good luck - at least it seems like things are on the move!