does this sounds like early stage labour?!

[LadybirdSpots]

I know that this is probably a stupid question as I assume it's obvious it when labour kicks in, but I'm wondering if it's in the very early stages!

I was induced twice with DC1, followed by 16 hours of horrendous contractions and then an EMCS as I wouldn't dilate past 8 cm. Trying for a VBAC this time.

I'm 38+1 now. I've been having really strong tightenings/Braxton HIicks since about 6pm last night. I've been having strong BH for weeks, and i usually only have about 4/5 together. These have been going all night now, a couple have taken my breath away with the pain, but mostly they aren't particularly painful, just uncomfortable. I haven't slept well, and have been really restless, so I'm now bouncing around only my birthing ball as I'm too restless to sit still/lie down.

I would have thought if it was the real thing they would be a lot more painful by now? They're about 10 minutes apart. I'm frustrated with myself for not knowing, I've always thought it would be so obvious!

[SouthDownsSunshine]

If they're regular, they probably are contractions! Mine started off quite far apart and gentle, and ramped up in intensity (pain) and frequency.

Good luck!

[LadybirdSpots]

Thank you! They're still going, about every 10 minutes or so, but not painful, so I have no idea what's going on!

[Jodie1982]

Hi Ladybirdspots.
How are things going? Sounds like your body is preparing for labour. Could be a few more days yet, have you lost your plug yet?

[Annabrooke90]

Ds1 I was induced. But ds2 I had 5 days of regular contractions and then ds3 6 days. Ds4 was three days. But all I'd had days or regular contractions that would juat stop for a while and then start back up. Also had been losing the plug.

Does sound like it for you too. Good luck 🍀

[LadybirdSpots]

Thank you everyone and sorry for the delayed reply! Ended up in hospital overnights dosed up on tramadol with the most horrendous headache I've ever had in my life! And because I've had pre eclampsia before they wanted to be sure it wasn't that.

Braxton Hicks are still going! They were picking up on the monitor so at least I know I'm not imagining them haha, but still not regular enough to class as labour! I've been feeling like I'm on my period this afternoon/this evening, haven't lost any blood but have that familiar squeezing cramp feeling, so I'm really hoping it's a good sign!

Thanks again to you all

[Melmam]

Hey Op, hows things going?

[Winny1984]

hi there still feeling off and not right still peeing every 10 minutes not a good nights sleep sat up in the recliner after I pee and wipe I look at the toilet paper and it looks like these clear water sitting on it what do u think?

[Winny1984]

I know the baby is down low I don't know if he's engaged yet but I have a whole lot of pressure down there and its still painfull

[Winny1984]

I know this is a weird question but does anyone know y I am having pain in my pelvic area?

[Winny1984]

and y do I have water sitting on my toilet paper after I pee and wipe ? I don't think my water is leaking cause I haven't felt a rush of water or heard a pop that women say they hear when their water bag breaks and my underwear aren't getting damp or wet any suggestions let me know please