Could anyone describe what is meant by pre-labour "niggles"?

[abigboydidit]

Hi - am 37 weeks today but baby very low and by my dates I feel I could go early. I was induced with DS and never had a single braxton hicks even, so have no idea of what to expect. From yesterday I've started feeling different, odd. Hard to describe really! I have had BH this time around and wondered what is different about pre-labour? Any descriptions would be great before I singlehandedly bring down Google

[JingleJohnsJulie]

In my experience, early contractions feel just like bh, but you can time the contractions whereas bh are a bit random. With DC one I'd had an awful pg and actually felt really well during the day and evening and went into labour the next morning. With DC2 are was emotional for a day, quite emotional and then went into labour at 11pm.

With DC1 the labour started with me wanting to go to the loo, repeatedly, took a while for me to realise what was going on.

[abigboydidit]

Thanks for the reply. I haven't had more BH or anything - just lower back pain and what I assume would be like period cramps (I must be the only female in history to never have experienced those!). I did run off crying from Boxing Day dinner at the inlaws because I felt DH had criticised me..that certainly ticks the emotional box!

[JingleJohnsJulie]

Lower back pain and mild cramps could be it, is it your first? Could you go and get a couple of hours sleep?

[JingleJohnsJulie]

God, my brain is mashed today, no its not your first is it. Can anybody have DC1 while you have a sleep?

[CheungFun]

I had Brixton hicks for a week or so before going into labour, they didn't hurt a all, but my whole bump would go rock hard for a minute or so and keep contracting.

On the morning that I gave birth to DS, I woke up and felt like I had a period 'ache', then after another ten minutes it felt more like period pain and contractions then came on quick and strong.

[abigboydidit]

Spent the last 20 mins crying about being a rubbish wife/Mum so DH has tucked me up in bed. Hoping is just wee hormone blip as yet to pack my bag!

[JingleJohnsJulie]

Can remember crying for 20 minutes because DH had emptied the washing machine, in the wrong way. If its any consolation it was about 12 hours before it all kicked off.

Switch MN off and get some sleep .

[babyperks]

I've been having period pains since 36 weeks, am now 39+1 and have been getting the odd set of contractions for a week. Been getting more of the obvious symptoms every day but still nothing. Mw has confirmed I'm in early labour, but who knows how much longer its going to go on for!
I hope you have better luck than me!

[abigboydidit]

Thanks everyone. Had a kip and am feeling slightly more human and considerably less emotional. babyperks - poor you! Am fully expecting this may drag on.. I suppose am just aware I have no idea what I might be able to expect . Fairly embarrassing considering I already have a DS!

[JingleJohnsJulie]

So glad you are feeling a little better. Let us know how you get on .

[abigboydidit]

TBH is maybe wishful thinking.. Aiming for VBAC but wont be induced this time so know if I don't go naturally then it's ELCS (which I don't really mind but the recovery with a toddler is something I could do without!).

[JingleJohnsJulie]

Well if you want a vbac then an elfs won't be idel as you say but you know you'll cope, you've recovered before. They don't give you a shiny big medal for doing it naturally you now, the prize in childbirth is a lovely new Lo and it doesn't really matter how hey get here

[JingleJohnsJulie]

Elfs? Elsc.

[bealos]

hello abigboy I'm in a similar situation to you - induced last time and now getting lots of braxton hicks and light period pain type cramps. Am only 36 weeks though, so hoping this isn't it, just yet.

I know what you mean in trying to decipher the signals. It's a difficult one isn't it? No rule book really.

[blondietinsellyminx]

I thought elfs was perfect for this time of year

Good luck OP!