Signs of labour starting soon?

[colette]

I have had a dodgy tummy and mild backhache for the last 2 days. I am also feeling more emotional and sometimes a bit down. As I am 37 weeks I am starting to become obsessed that this may be a sign that my body is gearing up for labour.Then I think it could be another 4 weeks!!!
As I was induced with Dd I am not familiar with the build up to labour and am finding I can't get on and do anything because a) I feel like a big fat tired walrus and b) I keep analysing how I feel.
Anyone had similar experience?

[M2T]

My Labour started as a mild back ache. Ds was lying posterior and I ended up having a backache labour.
It started at 39 weeks and 2 days later my waters started to trickle. 4 hours after that I was in full 'established' labour.

You may well be on your way very soon. How exciting for you!

Drink some raspberry tea and pace up and down... that seemed to work for me.

[motherinferior]

I too have viciously upset stomach and my back's hurting (although I have been carrying things)...and like you, am OBSESSED...

[motherinferior]

AND I'm supposed to be working.

[colette]

Thanks for your replies
M2T I might try the raspberry tea,trouble is I am fed up being pregnant but am really frightened of labour.
Motherinferior ,when are you finishing work ? your due date is soon isn't it? You're doing well still working. It is hard to distract yourself isn't it . I just wish I knew if it was this week or next month.

[colette]

Bron
I am 37 + 3 so am interested to know if pineapple starts you off. At least it is healthy, I am craving junk food lately and G & T. It is such a lovely day and should be in a park with Dd but I can't be bothered and feel I am wasting a summers day.
Good Luck

[motherinferior]

I am on my Very Last work project, and can't really be arsed to do much quite frankly. Don't forget I work from home. I suspect, gloomily, that I am just fooling myself - but on the other hand (a) dd was a couple of days early (b) the midwives did tell me this baby is growing rather quickly for dates. Think I don't get to 37 weeks till Thurs or suchlike. Have appointment with m/wife tomorrow.

Like you, I'm absolutely terrified of labour, and indeed of life with very new baby! Have vivid memories of telling dp never to let me do this again!

[colette]

Motherinferior I feel just the same - even though this is no2 I am very frightened of labour and am remembering the worst bits . Everyone says it will be over soon but I am thinking - Yes but then I'll have to cpe with nightfeeds etc. and a saggy/bruised body. I think I am having a downer today and feel quite tearful . I also worry the baby will be ok and feel guilty about not being more excited. It does help to hear from others in a similar situation. Dh has been great this time but he's just so logical.
Take care

[AliP]

hi - just a note on the pineapple thing - tastes good but I'm not sure that anything really starts you off unless your baby (and body!) are ready for it to arrive. I am now 40+5 and have tried pineapple, am taking RLT capsules, eaten loads of curries etc all to no avail! This little one is too comfortable in there - even though i am not - too hot, sore pelvis when walk and virtually constant backache - however not afraid of labour so looking forward to it starting!
hope all goes well for you guys.

[colette]

Ali p
You are 3 wks further ahead than me and more uncomfortable. You put me to shame. Hope it happens soon for you.

[Dahlia]

Hi everyone. I have been having strong (ish) pains in the night the last couple of days, and am very weepy, but there is no sign of anything happening. Colette, you made me laugh so much saying your dh was so logical, I know exactly what you mean. Mine is Mr Calm and Totally Rational and doesn't want to sit and talk incessantly about labour, pain relief, emotions, ankles, pendulous bosoms etc etc.
Whereas I am completely cacking it and freaking out about every aspect of labour, not to mention looking after a little bundle of joy.

[StripyMouse]

Some serious pampering is on order colette!! I understand how you feel and can relate to all your emotions you have espressed. It is normal to feel depressed during the last few weeks but knowing that doesn?t make you feel any better. I read a doctor?s article a while back where he/she suggested that mild depression pre birth was if anything more common that the well known post natal depression. Treat yourself to a long coolish bath with candles and a good book, or a tub of ice cream and a movie - whatever makes you feel better and make you feel a bit more on top of things. The other thing I found helpful is to keep as busy as you can manage - helps while away the hours and days. Plan a few quiet meals with friends etc. early evening when the restaurants are quieter, or relax with a cool mocktail in a local wine bar courtyard garden etc. were some of my ways of stopping me thinking about the inevitable during evenings. Whatever you do, plenty of sleep and lots to drink (water) will help.

[colette]

Thanks Dahlia and stripeymouse. Yes I think distraction and indulgence will help. I am seriously into chocolate lately and am sure they are shrinking all the well known chocolate bars.
Its good to know how others are feeling .
I want dh to finish work early enough so I can get him to practice his lower back massage tecniques -he has been seriously putting this off and I let him away with it yesterday as he had severe hayfever. Hope we hear some good news from one of you soon

[motherinferior]

Oh AliP, best of luck - my last w/wife was very strongly of the opinion that when the weather broke lots of women went into labour so here's hoping for you, and you too Dahlia!

I'm feeling better (unfortunately); although the realisation that dd's childminder is away for precisely the week this baby is due (so alternative backup needs arranging pronto) is reinforcing my idiot conviction that babe will be early.

My own dp is NOT being rational - he admits he's bloody terrified too. But the net result is no conversation about bosoms or pain relief either (he did helpfully suggest a shag, but I just can't face it - yet).

[Rach13]

Ali P can sympathise I am now 40+3. Have tried all the old wives tales to no avail.Have had my second membrane sweep today with no signs of anything happening yet even though I am 3cms dilated and the membranes are bulging out! This baby is in for the duration. I think the worst things are the constant phone calls 'are you still there?' Or look at the size of you. I am turning into a recluse.

[motherinferior]

Change of weather working for any of you? I'm waiting to see m/wife this pm. I have an acupuncture appointment next week - my lovely acupuncturist has promised she can Do Stuff to help everything along, so just maybe...

[Dahlia]

If one more person points at my bump and jovially exclaims "I bet you're suffering in this heat!" I am going to spit on them.

[LucieB]

get the gin out!!!

[AliP]

Hi guys - the slight change in weather doesn't seem to have done much - still as uncomfortable. Dh has a theory that doing as much as possible will start me off so if i say i have been resting he looks at me in amazement but honestly it is getting so painful to walk that 'doing' anything is uncomfortable - i feel like strapping an orange between his legs and telling him to walk around like that (oh and a football on his belly!).

Rach13 - how did you get them to do a sweep, i'm not due at the hospital until next Monday (by which time I'll be 41+5!) A friend (whose a Dr) has advised me to get a m/w to do a sweep to see if it will set me off properly.

Find myself really short with friends & family when they phone 'to see how i am' but suppose i must have done it to other people - but i won't anymore - my sister who was late with her 1st phones with some fantasticly bizarre reasons but always leaves it up to me so mention the pregnancy which i really appreciate.

Anyway must go - now shall i sleep for an hour before dh gets home or hoover the lounge!?! - i'm voting for the sleep!

[Rach13]

Ali P the m/w did the sweep. They think the baby has got a big head 95th centile so I think that's why the Consultant said to do it at 40 weeks. Can you ask the m/w to do it, it does work for some people? Have you got an induction booked, mine is next Tuesday. I can't believe it as my dd was born 9 weeks early!

I can't believe how much my legs have swollen in this heat.

I don't think I've ever felt so fed up. I know it's only a few days but it is hell in this heat. I am sick of the phone, I had 4 calls and 2 texts by 10am today, not that I answered them all!

[pupuce]

I was late with both labours (42 weeks and 40+6) and was also getting profoundly fed up- so I DO understand your frustration... especially in this heat (DD was born in August after 3 weeks of being bed ridden).... but I did want to post to say that I do hope you realise that inductions are NOT that easy and certainly make labour more painful and sometimes interventions only cascade from it.... That includes sweep!

[pupuce]

Colette - quick tip if you feel anxious about labour : Rescue remedy.... especially when contractions start again and you go "oh no now I remember why I hate this soo much !" it will help! But even weeks/days before I found it really made a difference to em and I know it makes a difference to my clients who use it.

[motherinferior]

Have to admit to slight relief everyone else has had such a shite day; I'm informed that baby has spine against mine, which I KNOW doesn't guarantee a back labour at this stage but I am worried about - when m/wife told me to relax and enjoy the moments I burst into tears. Have also been dealing with idiot clients who think 'remember I'm off from the end of Thursday, anything we need to discuss before then' means 'send me lots of last-minute work, please, because it isn't as if I haven't got enough to do'. Then I felt guilty about pointing out, really quite politely, that they could sod off.

Am utterly fed up and can't remember why I ever suggested another baby.