Are these contractions? (FTM and clueless)

[DeadDoorpost]

41+2 and FTM so literally not sure but I do believe I've finally started having contractions. Currently timing the pains I'm getting and so far since 4am I've had 4, all lasting a minute or longer and times between getting shorter from 13 mins to 10. Waters haven't gone yet, had my show on Friday.
Pain is under bump, can't tell if bump is tightening as used to baby putting pressure on front all the time. Feels like I'm being stabbed slowly by a wide blade. Would much prefer not having a uterus at all right now...

[shakingmyhead1]

call your midwife?

[ICanNeverThinkOfAGoodUsrname]

Yes, call your midwife or maternity unit.

[CakesRUs]

Could well be. Good luck! Enjoy meeting your firstborn, it only happens once. Exciting times ahead.

[ICanNeverThinkOfAGoodUsrname]

I mean 'yes' as in k was agreeing with the pp.

[LittleYellowTree]

I think so! Have you called in yet think they'll be telling you to go in

[Iolaus84]

My contractions were all lower abdominal, not tightening like people say. If you're midwife led care I would say wait and see as they can stop and you've only had 4 in about an hour so try and rest. If you have any complications or been consultant led care, I'd call!

[Afreshstartplease]

Sounds like it!

[justkeeponsmiling]

As a general rule I found that if you need to ask yourself "are these contractions" they are usually not. If/when you are in labour you know about it . It could be slow onset of the real thing though, so best phone the labour wars of your booking hospital and ask them for advice. Good luck!

[DeadDoorpost]

Thanks ladies. I'm going to be frustrated if this is a major false alarm but I've not had anything like this before. Just glad I could be avoiding an induction...

[TheClaws]

As justkeeponsmiling said, it’s probably the start of a slow onset labour. It’s probably best you rest for now rather than time contractions. If they start coming more frequently/painfully, trust me, you’ll know. When true labour starts, you’ll also know. That isn’t a pain you can mistake for any other. Also: you may not feel your waters breaking and that may not herald the start of labour. It did for me for one of my children, but it isn’t the same for everyone Have a good rest!

[DeadDoorpost]

I'd love to rest but a usual night consists of me trying to settle down for 2 hours. Ive been a nightmare sleeper since birth.
Might dig the hot water bottle out though just in case.
Down to under 10 minutes now though.

[TeslasDeathRay]

Best of luck! Hope everything goes well.

[Bunglecunt]

Sounds like things are moving, don't assume it will take ages just because it's your first - I went from this stage to holding my firstborn in 3 hours! Good luck and please update us

[BrioAmio]

*As a general rule I found that if you need to ask yourself "are these contractions” they are usually not”

I disagree, my contractions feel like period pain and suddenly go from nothing to 2mins apart, baby no.2 nearly didn’t make it to hospital!

[Afreshstartplease]

I disagree too!

[Sallystyle]

If the pains are coming more regularly, then yes, it sounds like labour.

I'm one who goes from mild discomfort to holding my baby in an hour, so no, you aren't always 100% sure if it's labour at the start.

I would ring the delivery suite.

[Sallystyle]

Oh and good luck OP. I hope you are holding your baby very soon

[Emeraude]

Also disagree! I thought I had trapped wind until I realised it was every minute and getting increasingly painful. Obviously once it really ramps up it's animal noise-inducing agony, but it doesn't necessarily start like that.

[CanIBuffalo]

I disagr

[CanIBuffalo]

Fat fingers...
I disagree too. I thought I had wind until I was in transition.

[CuppaSarah]

Hope you're getting a little rest as you've got a busy day ahead of you!! Good luck

[DeadDoorpost]

No rest. Waiting to hear back from on-call midwife who's busy with another lady I'm guessing (rural area and 40 mins from 24hr hospital).
Thankfully birth centre 5 minute drive. But definitely stronger and closet together.
DH was kicked awake. He's double checked everything for me and insists I eat breakfast. Only he tries talking to me during the contractions when i cant really focus much

[RoganJosh]

I think if you can’t focus during them then they are them. Getting in the bath might be nice? It may also stop them if they aren’t proper contractions.

[mumof2sarah]

It does sound like the start of labour, or at least your body preparing for the start 🙏🏻 sending good luck wishes x

[Cookiesandcake]

Mime started off like mild period pain at first so it could be. Good luck