TMI Constipation or early labour/labour soon?

[BiscuitLover2391]

I know, but I am new to this so please forgive me! 40+4 first baby.

Having general ongoing cramps (where would have period pain) all evening. Started coming and going every 5 mins or so quite intense and then going. Have spent the last couple of hours in the toilet and stuff is happening although I am clearly quite constipated. I have come to the conclusion it might just be that as contractions wouldnt come at the same time as going to the toilet, or would they?

If not, is this a sign labour is near? General cramping?

[BiscuitLover2391]

Bump!!

[ploughingthrough]

Could be op. It does feel like you need the toilet in the early stages of contractions. Or It might just be your body clearing out in preparation.


You will know in a few hours time because if it is labour your contractions will come closer together and/or intensify. You won't need to actually go to the toilet every time although it does feel it.
Hang on in there and listen to your body - it can take a while for things to get going but you will know.

[Nanmumandmidwife]

Early labour can be like that. Suggest you ring the triage at your hospital & talk it through with them

[BiscuitLover2391]

Thanks! Might go wake the oh...

[bookishtartlet]

Definitely sounds like early labour to me. Good luck!

[Balloondog]

Good luck OP, keep us posted!

[BiscuitLover2391]

Turns out it is labour! Contractions have been very frequent from the beginning but I can manage between them pretty well so staying home a bit longer.

[yoursworried]

Good luck op! Glad it's your labour getting going - nearly there 🤗

[Nanmumandmidwife]

@BiscuitLover2391 hope things are going well and you have your baby in your arms soon x

[BlessedBeTheFruitCake]

Good luck! I tended to go the opposite of constipated before labour
Nature's way of making sure everything is clear, in the old days they used to give women enemas in early labour.

[BiscuitLover2391]

Thank you! seemed to have slowed down so just resting at home. Anyone know how normal it is to go from regular every few mins back to every 10? Feel like it might be a long day

[Nanmumandmidwife]

It’s very normal for it to slow down for a while during early labour. You are doing just the right thing by resting. Use the break your body is giving you to rest and eat. Do NOT use it to catch up on chores. You’ll need your energy later xx

[BiscuitLover2391]

thanks @Nanmumandnidwife

[NMCB]

@BiscuitLover2391 in exactly the same position as you! I've been contracting since Friday night and I'm currently at 1 every 10 mins.

Exhausted today and quite emotional so defo advise resting when possible.

Good luck!

[BiscuitLover2391]

Would you say it's obvious when you need to go in?

[BiscuitLover2391]

@NNCB oh that sounds long but also you've done so so well!! Can only be sooner..

[BlessedBeTheFruitCake]

I was told to go in when I couldn't talk through my contractions and every 5mins but if you're worried/finding it hard to manage the pain ring sooner.
Hopefully you won't have to wait too long now.

[Babybluesornormal]

I was told to go in when they are 3 in 10 mins and you can’t manage at hone any longer.

[BiscuitLover2391]

I can't talk when having them but can in the rests. Bit of a minefield! I think I'm doing ok at home for now. Just don't want to be caught out but also don't want to go in and be sent home.

[pollywobble]

Any news OP?