Anyone awake to speculate wildly with me about whether I'm in labour?

[cockingup]

This is baby #2 - my first (now 4) came early and labour / delivery was unusual so don't really feel I have a 'normal' frame of reference.

I'm 38 weeks. Had sex at 10pm-ish for the first time in a long time. Now I'm getting tummy pains and tightenings every so often - though very mild - and wind, nausea, lots of pooing...

Basically I know the answer is "this might be labour, wait and see" but as per thread title I'd like some speculation buddies who are willing to confidently express their unqualified opinions, please. DH is snoring happily beside me but I can't sleep.

[Meshy23]

Is there any pain at all (even very mild) or is it uncomfortable but very painless Brixton hicks? Have you lost your plug? If there is any pain at all I’m willing to bet that you’re in labour. Congrats OP

[Cegbee]

What a was unusual about first labour? I personally think it is labour (with obviously zero credibility!)

[cockingup]

Yes! Thank you, friends. You are exactly what I wanted.

Yes there are pains. Lowish in the tummy. Cross between needing a poo sort of pains and period pain sort of pains. They are coinciding with the tightenings.

DC1 came at 23 weeks; her waters bulged outside of my body without any pain at all; so I was in this weird very established labour before I was in any real discomfort.

[FredaFrogspawn]

Completely without qualification or context I think things will settle down for another two weeks.

But whatever happens - hope it all goes well! Wake up your dh if it gets worse.

[lilsquish]

oh exciting!!!

are you able to time them at all?

that must have been so scary with DC1 xx

[BelladonnaKebab]

You are definitely in labour!! Congratulations!!!

...I have no earthly idea if this is true but I'm on a very quiet night shift so am easily excited!

[Russell19]

Yes I think you are! Try and get some much needed sleep. Even if it's just an hour.

[Aus84]

I had those exact pains/tightening for 2 weeks before full blown labour! After the first few times I ignored them until I was able to time them consistently for a few hours. I'm in Aus working from home while the kids run around on school holidays so happy to stick around while you monitor!

[Mummaofmytribe]

I think you're in early stages. Sex set off two of my labours but they both started gradually with the various rumblings you're describing.
Both times I awoke early hours with funny feelings, and it ramped up after a while.
You may be a while before things really get going, but it sounds like the first twinges.
Best of luck. Excited for you!

[cockingup]

An excellent blend of genuinely good advice and excitable conjecture. Exactly what I needed. I'll put the phone down and make a concerted effort to get some sleep. Thank you, everyone.

[Meshy23]

Keep us updated Op - always love news of a birth!

[macmustard]

Yep labour! Have a good nap and let us know when you're on your way to hospital

[BigusBumus]

I bet she's had it by now!

[Keeoe]

Oooh, it must have been labour, do you think?

[Meshy23]

Gosh I feel so much excitement at these stories. My DD is only 5 months but it makes me so broody!!

[starflake]

Oh op fingers crossed it was! I'm 28 weeks & impatiently waiting so I'm extremely jealous of you.

[yaduronronron]

Agh, I'm having name change difficulties with the app. Sorry it's taken ages to update. Thank you for being interested.

It's me and no it just all calmed down! 5 hours or so in the middle of last night and today there's been nada. I'll keep you in the loop.

[Keeoe]

Booooo, @yaduronronron here we were up for a live birth thread!

In all seriousness though, relax and enjoy, insofar as possible, the end of your pregnancy. I'm looking forward to the newborn pic, mind

[BigusBumus]

Any baby news yet??

[Sexnotgender]

Are you?

[cockingup]

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Baby still firmly in there. I'm outraged.

[BigusBumus]

Oh that's a bugger. Hope it's soon!

[anyoneneedabodygaurd]

I had braxton hicks being timed very 10 minutes for several nights in a row, every time went to bed thinking "if its the real thing I'll wake up".

DD arrived 2 weeks late

[cockingup]

Ooooh so update update update!

I'm 39 weeks now. Went in for a growth scan today and it was unclear whether there might have been a wee drop in growth, so they gave me a sweep.

The midwife said I was dilated 4cm and the waters are bulging, so I've been sent home to wait for something to happen.

Currently bouncing on my ball in the living room while DD plays. Since the sweep there's been a bit of blood when I've wiped, and everything just feels...heavy...

Surely not long now?!

[PotteringAlong]

Noooo, not long. I’m going for (plucks figure out of nowhere) 6 hours...!