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Right mums,

What are the early signs of labour - more signs that its imminent iuswim??

So far I've had an increase in discharge, am going to the loo (bm) more and it's looser (not runs, just looser when I go), an increase in wind, sharp 'pains'? very low down - these aren't really bad pains but certainly noticeable, sometimes enough to Mae me stand still or a few secs, BH only started yesterday and seem to have eased off today - not noticed 1 today!!

What do you experienced mums think? Anywhere close or just normal bodily changes in prep for a few weeks time?

I had DS at 38 weeks (actually 37.5) and I was very, very grumpy the previous day. No physical signs until waters went, and then it was all over in 7 hours.

Watching with interest as am also 38.5.

Last time I had no idea it was about to kick off until it did.

Well Bike, grumpy I can do but I think that's more SPD/not sleeping/feeling huge etc rather than anything else...

1978, I'm getting impatient now. I'm due on the 21.12 and would really like little one here and home for Xmas.

I know there's no way of knowing really - he/she will make an appearance in good time but it would be sooo nice to have him/her for Xmas.

I had a mad nesting/cleaning urge the day before (and scrubbed the kitchen floor on all fours ) some sharp pains very low down and a show about an hour or 2 before first contractions started...and needed a big poo!

Might give the kitchen floor a go tomorrow. :-)

Anyone else got any pearls of wisdom on signs labour may be imminent?

No but I'm right there with u with the symptom spotting. Due on 22nd and planning on finishing work at the end of next week, really overdid it yesterday and was getting a few braxton hicks but nothing materialised. I really would like this baby to come a good few days before Christmas but am trying to prepare myself for disappointment (and possibly even a 2013 baby!)

I didn't have a clue either time really.

I'm a first timer too, 39 weeks and been having all those symptoms for last week and a half. Tbh I expect them to continue to week 42, but that's just because both my brother and i were that late..

I was 38 weeks when my waters went at the bus stop! But two days prior had sickness and diarrhoea which they told me could be my body emptying itself out in preparation. Had had spotting every couple of weeks for the last two months as well. If that's of any interest!?

Ooh snap - I'm due on the 21st too!

I've been having more regular BH (although not really all that regular, mostly evenings, yesterday and today also mornings), weeing more often, more discomfort and shooting pains across my back and underneath my bump. More watery discharge.

I don't think she's going to be early though. I just can't really "see" it iyswim. I'm resigned to driving myself nuts for at least the next 2 weeks

I hope something happens for us soon though!

With my first I had my show (very obvious and not just a small amount - sorry if TMI) around my due date, obviously got very excited, went for a very long walk and nothing happened for a further 2 weeks. Please don't get over-excited that labour could be imminent if you have a show as its not always the case.

Agree that diarrhoea or being desperate to empty bowels is a good sign but this happened with me a couple of hours before the babies were born so I already knew I was in labour by then. With my 2nd I went into labour naturally and I had no clues in the 24 hours before that it was about to start.

PS Hope that your babies all arrive on time and enjoy their christmas days ;-)

Well I've been out walking (around the shops) today and then spent the last hour scrubbing out my kitchen cupboards! Now sat watching casualty on my birthing ball. Had spicy chicken for lunch. Trying everything I can think of to head in the right direction for eviction.

Got to go back to my consultant on weds as my BP has been 'dancing' about along with new traces of protein and swollen feet/hands and regular headaches . Daily BP checks til weds. All getting a bit worrying now!

Good luck to all those on here in my boat. Light at end of tunnel now even if it does seem to be quite far in the distance still.

Went into labour with DS at 38.1 weeks, didn't have him until 38.4....YES 3 bloody days! My first signs....Eating a massive bowl of creamed leaks, scrubbing every single window in my house and waters breaking!

I had ds at 38 weeks and I remember having a burst of energy (I was dancing around the sitting room like a loon whilst doing the ironing ) the evening before my bowels had a spring clean <ahem>. Ctx started soon after but ds didn't arrive until 60 hours later, sorry!

Kafri I'm in the same boat. due the 21, and I'm not really having any symptoms besides general grumpiness due to poor sleep and (ironically) lack of activity.
I am going to make some babka! It won't bring anything on, but it might make me feel better....

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/antenatal_clubs/1632590-December-2012-mass-eviction

Come and join the fun

Ds was born 20 days ago at 38+3. I knew because my waters went with a whoosh! unfortunately not in waitrose

I'm encouraged by all these babies who have come at 38 weeks!

39+1 today. I have all these symptoms:

Loose BM at least once a day (I am normally a once or twice a week person)
Increase in discharge but no sign of Show
Insomnia
Bursts of energy for nesting, but back gets too sore and I end up only doing one task
Braxton Hicks (quite noticeable tonight)
SPD and Shooting pain down my legs, but no back ache unless I stand
Need to wee all the time but then only manage a tsp worth

I have to say I have given up thinking labour is imminent as apart from BH (which stopped for a while and are back) and shooting pains (which started today), I've had all the other symptoms for about 2wks now.

Ahh Twist, it's not looking hopeful for anytime soon for me then.

I know, I know - it'll happen when it happens but no one can blame a girl for trying/hoping (& keeping fingers crossed, & touching wood & any other superstition I can think of even tho I'm not superstitious) ;-)

I can definitely add insomnia to my list too <blinks wearily>

Hi ladies! May I join? Due 18/12 so 39 wks tomorrow! Could we make this our 'watch' page seeing as we're all so near! I've a few symptoms (it feels like early pregnancy again where I analysed everything before getting my bfp!!) mainly a bit if nausea, very slight period pains/niggles and strong BH! But again I hear this could go on for a couple of weeks! Xmas tree up, I just want to snuggle under it with baby now!!! xxx

Welcome Melon. Course u can join (even tho I'm slightly jealous that ur due before me and therefore possibly likely to progress quicker than me) ;-)

I agree, symptom spotting is jd like the first weeks. Permenant knicker watch now!!! Lol

Great post Melon, I could have written it myself

(it feels like early pregnancy again where I analysed everything before getting my bfp!!) ----> exactly this!

I have had a bit of a show this morning (a very little bit, just a bit of light pinky brown on a pab, sorry tmi) and some period type pains. I'm hoping it's not going to go on for the next couple of weeks but, like Melon, aware it might!!

Thanks Kafri however you never know I could be late and you could be early!!! I keep having dreams that I've gone into labour but alas I wake up and all is calm! I do feel like my bump has 'dropped' slightly today...x

Hi Weissdorn! It's so true but the difference being that we sure are pregnant this time!!! I remember being on a site that compared the lines in the pregnancy tests! I was obsessed! Your show sounds positive? Fingers crossed x!

Confession time - I uploaded a pic of a +ive opk to a private MN-related ttc group on fb, and accidently put it on my main fb profile!! I was mortified .

Definitely obsessed...

It's snowing again today and DH has a day off and is tinkering in his studio, so I'm having a very quiet time relaxing on the bed drinking tea.

cheers!

How is everyone doing? I had a lot more blood and the rest of my plug this morning - midwife has called me in for an examination

<squeeeee!>

Oooooh! Weissdorn! How exciting! When do you have to see her? How are you feeling otherwise? Good luck x

Not much else from me just a few more brief period like twangs but baby seems to have gone quiet, still moving/kicking but slightly fainter, seems to have moved down? Anyone else had this? xxx

Me me me!!! Defo quieter and lower down!

No show or owt yet though. Sore lower back on and off.

One weird thing though - I kinda feel less, er, awkward and heavy. I guess a little more like me. It's hard to explain. Up til yesterday I felt tired and heavy and everything was hard work but now I feel more lively?? Anyone else or just my weirdness?

With DD I felt so much better once she properly dropped down, I guess my lungs and stomach were less squashed? That was at about 36 weeks. She arrived at 39+5, no show, signs, BH or anything lol! 2.30am, woke up with the most insane pains across my belly, minutes later my waters went and contractions were 4 mins apart by 3am. DH had the cheek to say had I just wet myself, he didn't believe how quickly it all happened. So it can go from 0 to 60 very quickly. Not that it helps, but lack of signs doesn't mean it's not imminent. Hope the babies are all prompt for you!

I'm with you Kafri! I don't feel such a hefalump! And at times I just feel like I gave a fat belly rather than a preggo one if that makes sense??

I was concerned about the quietness but I'm sure this happens at this late stage? Also I counted 12 movements over 50mins...
Could this be the calm before the very very big storm?? xxx

Gosh, so fed up. Got very mild cramps but I think they are down to needing the loo and not the sign of anything exciting. 39+3 today, still no show. Bah!

Ooohh I hope so!

I've never been so keen for the pain to kick in! I'm sure ill live to regret that sentence. Part of me still can't believe in sooooo close to having my much longed for little miracle!

Hope so Melon!

My midwife put me on a monitor for half an hour, which confirmed I'm having contractions, although not "real" ones (hopefully they might turn into real ones!) as they're not really doing anything at the moment. I'm 2cm dilated though but even so she said it might still be a few days yet. Or it could be tomorrow. Very helpful!

Baby is in the birth canal but high up.

I'm just watching and waiting.... <sigh>

Saying all that, I feel like I'm going to be early. I'll surprised if I get to the 21st at the moment.

Can I join? Currently 38+2 due Christmas Eve but really want him to come before that!

Been having bh since 20 weeks but they have increased this week.
Lots more BM and discharge.

kafri I feel the same! Like a last burst of energy right at the end. I was so tired and heavy last week but feel more myself now, but my bump is sore and heavy at the bottom.

Saw mw yesterday and he's 3/5 engaged, compared to 4/5 at 36 weeks so he is descending slowly.

Been bouncing on ball like mad and bathing/tummy massaging with Cso.

Come on babies!

I'm 41+3 and every evening for the past week I've been convinced something is about to kick off but here we still are. I'm expecting DC3. I'm fed up - fed up with the endless messages - all meant very kindly - asking me if I've had my baby and offering up tips to get labour started: which I think are all bollocks anyway having actually had 2 babies already (at 42 weeks). Fed up with people saying "oohhhhh still pregnant then, no way!! Have you tried curry".

I can no longer face: going out, doing school run, looking after a toddler, getting off sofa, getting through another insomniac night. Very tired......but not sure I want to be induced either so fingers crossed for tomorrow - 12.12.12 could be the date! If DC is anything like DH and a bit freaky when it comes to numbers that's what he'll go for. If not will ask for sweep on Thursday though swore I'd never have one again after last time

Am now 39+5 so pretty close. Went for a brisker than intended sprint to the shop on Sunday (only 15 mins there and back,) and have been having major bump cramps since then. Spoke to the mw yesterday who thinks I've shaken him lower iyswim, but doesn't mean anything will actually happen on time!

Fingers crossed for some 12.12.12 babies!

I've been having some mild contractions overnight - hoping this is the start of something....

Morning all! Nothing from my neck of the woods however every night I have a vivid dream that I've gone into labour! It's really annoying when I wake up!! I've been out every night since Saturday, meals with hubby and friends, but think I'll take it easy now! I agree, the messages are slightly irritating, but we're all nearly there! x

Ps messages from friends telling me to try coconuts that is! I wonder if Bounty bars will work? x

Up until a couple of days ago, I'd been eating dried fruit with lots of coconut. Afraid it hasn't done anything.

Nausea, oedema and loose BM have stepped up recently and insomnia is particularly bad (slept for only 3hrs last night). I'm seeing my MW in about an hr and really hoping she will offer some sort of induction. Although, the thought of a sweep scares me as so many people say its very painful.

Nothing to report here!! Still finding life 'easier and lighter' ATM which I guess is a good thing.

Quick question. When they talk about baby dropping and it making breathing easier but obv more uncomfy in the pelvis. Well, I'm confused cos I've not had trouble breathing throughout and now don't feel uncomfy in the pelvis. Consultant has told me baby is head down and locked so am I just not normal that I haven't felt this 'lightening' thing or as it not hapened???

Still got fingers crossed for everyone. Bumps to babies soon!!

Kafri, I am having the same effect. I do't feel much pressure in my pelvis, but I can certainly breathe easier. My OB said that babies don't really "drop" they often just sort of shift, and many women don't feel anything more than what you describe. I guess "lightening" is the correct word! I had wondered if it wasn't some wrong-headed term to make pregnant women feel better when they actually felt worse.

Nothing to report here either, baby is moving a lot though.

Think mine is quite content where s/he is. Not holding out much hope for my 'home for Xmas' ideal.

Off to consultant shortly to see what she has to say - all my PE symptoms are 'creeping up' as my MW puts it. Starting to fret a bit now which I know isn't too good for me but I've come too far now not to start fretting now things are not so hunky dory.

I am 38+5 and recognise many of these symptoms! The baby's head has been down in my pelvis for absolutely ages now -- I am sure I can feel the grinding of bone against bone -- does anyone else have this -- it is sharp, ouch! I have NO idea when things might happen. I was given 3 different due dates...

I only knew as I couldn't face eating a thing and had eaten like a horse all pregnancy.

Hmmm on the eating front I keep forgetting to eat! And it doesn't seem to bother me, but when I do eat I swallow it all up! I'm actually sleeping better with less trips to the loo than throughout the whole pregnancy...who'd have thought these last few days would be so strange! Fingers still crossed for everyone x

When have you all been offered your first sweep?

Kafri I haven't felt that lightening either, and I'm still getting heartburn, confusingly....

NEWSFLASH!!! My waters went this morning, been getting contractions all day but not really dilating - I'm going in to be induced tonight...

Argh I'm nervous!!!! DH has been very quiet all day

Hi all, just got back from the MWs. I am 2/5 palpable so 3/5 engaged. She said, don't you feel it's dropped? Not particularly, no.
Also she has offered me a sweep but not until the 23rd, which would mean a Xmas day baby . I am so hoping he comes this week.

Grasping at straws, but is there anyone whose waters have broken or contractions started who can tell me how quickly they went from 2/5 palpable to that stage?

Good luck Weissdorn. Very exciting.

Good luck weissdorn! We have things to do until my due date (this sat).but if i could I'd book his arrival the very next day!

Good luck Weissdorn! Keep us updated x

hello! I'm also due 21.12 and also TOTALLY DESPERATE to have this baby. Definitely more space to breathe here, but much more pressure on pelvis/lower back... I can't get comfy anywhere.

Good luck weissdorn! Keeping things crossed for you (though not my legs as that would be counter productive from my point of view)

And blackcurrants, I'm a 21st mummy too! :-)

Had consultant appt earlier - said they'll sweep next weds and give me a date for induction should that not produce a baby!

Keeping fingers crossed for going naturally before then so we'll see.

DH is funny, every time I say something hurts (spd wise) he asks 'is it coming'? Or 'are we going to hospital'? Bless him, he's a nervous daddy to be!x

Good luck weissdorn. That happened to me last time. They'll offer an epidural at same time as induction. Take it. X

Good luck weissdorn!

Blackcurrants, I am feeling the same way. I am certain pregnancy lasts so long to make you think HAPPY thoughts about labor and delivery! A few weeks ago I was comfortable and scared about labor. Now I am uncomfortable, not able to sleep, always thirsty and have to pee constantly and am more than willing to go through a day of pain to be done with this part!

Yeah, I've had similar thoughts! I was induced with ds 1, in 2010- had an epidural and a straightforward vaginal birth. Good luck!

They dont seem to do sweeps here in the usa - i was at 2cm last mon so rather wish I could have one, I feel so.ready!

Hello all! How's everyone doing? Wonder how Weissdorn is getting on?

Well for me since 4/5am this morning I've been getting quite strong period type cramps lower down (below belly button) at fairly regular intervals (every 10/15 mins this morn but eased off now) worse when lie down and pain rooted to where say my ovaries used to get painful before baba! Hmmmm! Not so bad now I'm sitting up/walking around! Now is this something or do I just need a number 2??!!! My mind tells me it's a number 2 but I may be in denial!!! xxx

Hey, atm I constantly feel like I need a number 2!! No sign for me yet though I still don't have any cramps etc. BH picking up pace at various intervals.

I feel generally crap today though, nothing specific, just under the weather and the left side of my neck is so sore!!! :-( even I'm feeling sorry for myself at the mo which isn't usually like me!!!

Hey Kafri, I know what you mean about feeling sorry for yourself, I think it's this waiting! It won't be long in the grand scheme of things, just for now I'm sure x

Another update - I appear to have lost some of my plug (ewwww I hate that word!) but it's not bloody (I read that it doesn't have to be?) cramping eased off since I've dragged myself up and around the house, have also had a shower (and a shave just in case sorry tmi!) but still annoyed that with all of these symptoms it could be another week! xxx

I know exactly what you mean about the pity-parties - I've been at mine all week! The midwife said on Monday "Oh you've lost weight this week," and I laughed and said "Well it's not because of my amazing diet, I've eaten more cake this week than ever in my whole life!" and she just smiled and said "Whatever gets you through, love."

I like that midwife

Had 2 hours of contractions in the night but they faded away. PLEASE let this all happen soon!

I like that midwife too (I say as I finish another choccie biscuit) [tea]

Whereabouts are you in the USA blackcurrants?

I'm in New Jersey. It's been very mild so far this winter, only one big snowstorm and so I'm hoping it doesn't get bad before I have to drive 40 minutes to the hospital!

Pity parties are the worst but how do you get out of them at this stage? It's not like you can ignore the huge bump that leads you everywhere and occasionally kicks your ribs for good measure .

Just read your post Blackcurrant, and it made me realise I haven't been weighed by the MW once this pregnancy, even when I spent the first 7 months spewing . I did weigh myself but not recently, I've been too scared of what I might see.

Just eaten a curry and then spent half an hour cleaning and tidying in the hope that it starts things off. Wishful thinking? I am determined to do all I can to avoid being induced on the 23rd.

Quick update from me!

DD1 was born on Thursday morning at 1:32am after a 3.5 hour induced labour - I pushed for a total of 10 minutes!!

We're doing well, stayed in hospital til today getting to know each other (normal in Germany) and now settling in back home.

Thanks for the messages everyone and good luck!!

Congratulations!!

congratulations! How lovely

I'm still sodding pregnant- had such a convincing false alarm on Friday night that I called our doula and the people looking after DS1 - 3 hours of contractions 3 minutes long, 5 minutes apart - but eventually they spaced out and I went to sleep, waking next morning REALLY disappointed!

I've got my 39 week checkup on Monday and will be asking for a vigorous sweep! Sending good vibes to everyone else who's still pg on this thread!

Hi all and congratulations Weissdorn.

My son arrived on Sat morning, bang on his due date, .
Waters broke at 4:40 and I had him at 6:20. Very straightforward labour but I only just made it to hospital in time. We got there at 6am .

Yay Twist - congratulations! What a punctual boy!
I have been having contractions since 4am (9am now) and we are about to call the midwife. . . I've had so many false alarms that I hesitate to do it, but this does feel very 'real'.... let's see!

Congratulations twist and good luck blackcurrants! am 40 + 2 now and have just had my first serious session of accupuncture to start things. They say it can vary from 3-60 hours to take effect though.. I feel like I've been punched in the back!

Wow congrats twist and good luck blackcurrants!

I went Christmas shopping today, bit frazzled now! But good to keep active in hope of starting things off.

39 weeks today too

Have still had no conclusive change and getting peeved. Have been having mild cramps and stabbing pain since last night but nothing seems to be progressing from that point. I presume this stage can go on for days but I'm rubbish at waiting for anything and feel like I'm letting dh down as we both got a bit excited and now it's going nowhere..

I am 40 + 3 now. Grumpy.

I'm at 40 today. Also grumpy

Me too. Very annoyed and uncomfortable.

Hello all! I'm assuming everyone has popped by now? Anyone want to update or has a new thread been started that I've missed out on in the haze of nappies and milk! My LO was born three days early on Dec 15th, 1hr established labour, no pain relief (no time!) xxx