First timer to childbirth...

[Becky77]

Are there any tell tale signs that labour will be starting anytime soon?

Im 39+5 and I've felt no BHs at all and have no idea what I'm looking out for... I have been feeling a little naseous today though and I have a bit of back ache...

What were your early signs if any?

[Meeely2]

early sign's -

lots of discomfort down below (I was 29 weeks so really wasn't symptom spotting)

the need for a BIG number 2!

I found myself pacing unable to sit still.

[Becky77]

Thanks... was this before you had a show?

[lilysmummy2007]

the backache is definite sign, mine started on wednesday,lily born on sunday, was 39 weeks and had braxton hicks for weeks before which was confusing, but when the little niggling backache started like just above your bum, you are on you way, get prepared, i had very long labour but you might be lucky, let us know how you get on, and gooc luck, hope everything goes well!

[Egg]

With DS1 I went into labour at 39+5 (oooh that's today for you!). I had absolutely no idea. I was out shopping that morning for a couple of hours and had a completely normal day. Then suddenly at 9pm I had a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge contraction and that was the start of regular contractions and I gave birth 4 hours later.

With second pregnancy (DTs) I did start getting lighter contractions first of all, but they soon intensified and again had 4 hours til I gave birth.

[Meeely2]

i had a show in hosp afterwards, thats when docs knew they couldn't stop the labour with pills!

[Becky77]

@ Lilysmummy - oh really... That's got me a little excited! I just cant imagine it happening but I guess it'll all become clear soon enough!

@ Egg - I would love love love to have a 4 hour labour!! I should be so lucky!

[castille]

I felt eerily great the day before - did a big food shop and remember noticing my pelvis wasn't aching like it had been for months and I didn't feel tired

Also v little movement for 24 hours

Had a fast and easy labour - 4 hours from 1st contraction to birth

[BCCmum]

Hi Becky77,
I too am 39+5 today with my first pregnancy. Went to see MW this pm and she said that the babies head is soooo far down that she can't believe I haven't started yet.
I'm getting niggling and the odd period like pain but nothing else. My sciatica and backache has actually improved!! She's discussed with me booking a sweep at 10days overdue but I'm keeping everything crossed that it won't come to that.
I do hope things start moving along for you too!
will keep you posted if I get any change - as for now...all quiet in the western front.

[Becky77]

@ BCCmum - that sounds promising... Do let me know how you get on! I have an appointment on monday (40+2) when apparently they'll try to do a sweep... that seems pretty trigger happy doesn't it??

@ castille - were you late at all?

[castille]

no she was born bang on 40 weeks

though I am in France where they count 41 weeks so officially she was early

[EffiePerine]

Labour with DS started 39+5 - show early morning, mild contractions next day (nothing major, went out and about as usual), DS born 4:30 Sun morning.

Good luck

[Becky77]

Thanks

[BCCmum]

Becky77:
I thought sweeps were performed alot later than 40+2, but I guess all trusts are different.
You can always refuse if you wanna hang on a bit

[Becky77]

I think Haringey start the sweeps early but don't do inductions until 40+10... I'm happy to have a sweep but will try anything to avoid induction so hopefully our LO will make an appearance before they start pressurising for one of those

[Becky77]

Really? I'm pretty sure that was the plan... when I saw my midwife on Monday she said at my next Monday appointment they'd do a sweep and book me in for an induction in a week so "I'd better make sure the baby arrived before then"... Pretty full on eh??

[Becky77]

Sounds like it eh or maybe the midwife got it wrong... Hmmm... time will tell!

[PInkyminkyohnooo]

I seem to remember being booked a t+10 MWappointment where I could book for an induction at t+14.Never had it as baby born 41+3

[Minkus]

I'm like kazbeth- no signs at all that labour was coming, until my waters broke at 11pm. My contractions started at midnight, five mins apart the blighters, and ds was born 4 hours later. Had been on a fairly long walk that day though and had my eyelashes tinted so maybe those things had something to do with kickstarting it .

No twinges, no backache, no bh's, no loose bowels- dc2 due in 4.5 weeks though and will be looking a bit closer this time!

Good luck, you're nearly there now

[Becky77]

Awww thanks. I've got quite a busy weekend planned to try and keep my mind off it and jiggle the LO around a bit! Although maybe I should wear a nappy incase my waters break out of the blue!!