Is this it? Or just wishful thinking? Looking for info from those who know about this kind of thing...

[ruthosaurus]

Hello!

I have had 9 contractions of varying painfulness today over the last 12 hours, average an hour apart, some excruciating, some less so. I have lost some mucus plug and it feels like the baby is trying to headbutt its way out, bless it! I am 38+1 and fully engaged, baby is 38cm , so we're just sat here on the launchpad waiting for the countdown...

Does anyone know if this sounds like things are starting? It is my first baby so I haven't got a clue. I was going to book tickets for Quantum of Solace this weekend, but it seems a little risky now

[squeakypop]

If you are 38 weeks pregnant then it is reasonable for things to start happening, but it is no indication of when things really get going and when you will actually have your baby.

It's a good sign

[belgo]

it could be the start of things, pre labour even, but it's hard to say when it will all happen for real!

I would book the Bond tickets

[Star1ightExpress]

Yes, things ARE happening. Labour is starting, but it's anyones guess when it'll stop.

Rest, rest, rest. This is your last chance!

[monkeysmama]

I gave birth about 18 hours after I had a "show" (the mucus plug thingy) but then I have a friend who had a show and still hadn't had her bubble 3 days later.

My advice is stock up on carbs now! Eat crisps, potatoes, chips, pasta and rice all together . I had no apetite at all but was VERY glad I'd eaten a few hours in.... Good luck. The best times of your life are about to start!

[monkeysmama]

P.S Let us know what happens!

[ruthosaurus]

Will do! Thanks, ladies!

Gosh, I do hope it's not another 3 days, though, the bits between contractions are really boring. And the contractions aren't all that. At least if I go into labour for real in the cinema everyone will just think I have a thing for Daniel Craig. It'd be a shame to spoil the lovely cineam carpet with amniotic fluid though.

[lauraloola]

Book the tickets and you are bound to go into full labour Good luck x

[Howdie]

Try to distract yourself as much as possible and try not to think "this is it". It is possible that things are starting but it's feasible to lose your mucous plug a week or two before labour actually starts. It does sound from what you're saying that something is happening though but as others have said, REST REST REST!! Watch funny DVDs, eat lovely nourishing food and do fun stuff and don't try to will yourself into labour. It'll happen when it's time.

[ruthosaurus]

Small update - last 3 contractions were 30 and then 20 minutes apart, iyswim, and hurt more. Have taken the bins out and cleaned the kitchen, now trying to watch telly with DH, who is jumping around trying to be calm!

[lauraloola]

How exciting!! Try to rest as much as you can. Let us know how you get on x

[Star1ightExpress]

OMG, you need to go to bed. It could still be days.

[ruthosaurus]

Now 7-9 mins apart and getting quite painful. Am eating chocolate as it seems like a good idea...

[lauraloola]

You might have a Halloween baby Good luck x

[ruthosaurus]

Contractions went away for 12 hours but are now coming back and am damn sure waters just broke. Erm, what do I do now?

[chocbiscuits]

think you're supposed to phone 'em if your waters broke

[ruthosaurus]

Done it, they said it was probably just discharge, not waters, not to worry and I will never ever have this baby as long as I live (my interpretation). Thus sucks.

[AnotherFineMess]

Oh bless ya! Try to think of it like this - the more work your body does now (whilst not in the full throes of labour) the less it will have to do whilst in the full throes. And try to sleep. (Impossible I know).

But if you really can't sleep, try cleaning floors, or anything that entails being on all fours to get that baby in a great position for showtime.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

[solidgoldskullonastick]

Good luck! SLeep if you can, if not, check that your hospital bag contains some nice easy lightweight reading material and plenty of snacks as those are the things you will very much want if you don't have them.

[UmSami]

Sorry Ruthosaurus...at least you are having contractions...things are happening! You'll get there!

[ruthosaurus]

Hi all,

Still no baby but at least I have now had some sleep, as has DH, poor man. I'm just going to ignore any more nonsense from this baby and get on with stuff today until the contractions become unbearable or my waters break for real or something.

Will keep posting, thanks for support!

[ruthosaurus]

Spent most of Saturday having contractions which led nowhere, tailed off after 12 hours in pain with no waters breaking.

Nothing at all yesterday but have sent DH back to work and contractions have started up again. In pain and scared but don't want to call him. Make it stop, this is driving me crazy! Every other day I spend hours contracting and still no baby - is this normal?

[Denny185]

just text him to let him know whats happening at least he can be prepared if it is today

[scattercushion]

yes it's normal! I'd recommend waiting at home for as long as you can - til contractions are 3min apart and regular. In hospital things go all funny, well they did for me - kept stopping and starting too.
Hang on in there!

[ruthosaurus]

I got to 4 minutes apart on Saturday night and then they trailed off again (DH warmed the car up and everything)so today I'm going to curl up on the sofa and read the weekend paper between contractions while saying things like "gee, I hope this baby stays in there for AGES" just to make it happen . Then I'm going shopping tonight.

Mumsnet is ACE - I was feeling really sad and horrible before I logged on today and now I am still feeling horrible but much less sad!

I might go and batch cook some curry later if I feel less rubbish.