How can I not know for sure? Probably that means I'm not in labour, right?

[hopefully]

Help!! I'm sure it's not possible, but can someone help me out here? I woke up this morning with the gut from hell, and had what I thought was stomach ache related to that for a couple of hours afterwards.

However, the pain is now a little more intense, and coming at something like 5 minute intervals for about 30 seconds at a time. Not exactly though, some more frequently, some less. However, I'm not in agony, and to be honest, it still feels more like gut pain than anything happening in the uterus department. I can easily talk through the pain (if there was anyone to talk to in the house), but it is slightly catching my breath.

Should I get DP home from work? Call MW? Or sit on the toilet for a bit longer and see if my gut produces anything? It's possible I poisoned myself with excess chorizo and chilli pizza last night, so don't want to hassle anyone unnecessarily!!

Oh, and haven't had a single BH or anything throughout this pregnancy, so no idea what kind of sensation I ought to get. No signs of any waters going, no show or anything like that...

[Portofino]

Sounds to me like it could be starting. When's LO due? Don't need to call DP just yet though but I would call MW to check.

[MrsTittleMouse]

Phone the midwife! I had this conversation with my midwife recently and she told me that if I had any concerns then I should phone as they were very happy to do a consultation over the phone and either put my mind at rest or let me know that I should get ready for the final push (sorry!).
Good luck.

[funnypeculiar]

Sounds promising to me
I'd warn your dp, but tell him not to head home yet, and just monitor things. Sounds like my early labour with dd which went on for 2 days...

[Portofino]

My contractions felt like just like bad period pains initially and I could still talk through them for quite a long time. I would never have described them as agony though - even right at the end.

[MrsTittleMouse]

Mine is my second pregnancy, by the way, so in theory I should know what I'm doing - but the midwife was still fine for me to phone up. I'm booked in with the MLU at the hospital, so that where I'll phone. The community midwife isn't usually a good bet for labour chats, as they are often with other patients and you can't really wait for hours until their clinic has finished.

[hopefully]

Was due 8 days ago, am slightly concerned this is more wishful thinking than anything! Will phone DP and warn him (while also warning him I may just have gut rot), then give MW a call...

Why can't it be like in the movies? Dramatic water going, then regular contractions from the word go!

[ajm200]

Phone the MW and depending where DH is give him a call when you've spoken to the MW.

Early contractions aren't always regular, mine were all over the place and felt crampy like my period was coming or I had an upset tummy.

BHs should go away if you walk about, drink lots of fluids or change position.

Timing the contractions on line can be easier than messing about with pen, paper and clock watching. Check out www.contractionmaster.com

[funkybumps]

hi, yeah have to agree with the above comments. Does sound like early labour though. I had a mild belly ache all day, went shopping etc, by 4pm started to get a bit worse and by night I had started to get mild pain. Will probably take a while but get DP to stay on alert just incase x good luck x

[ajm200]

BTW.. Good luck, keep us posted! Another LO on the way.. how exciting!

[funnypeculiar]

Good luck!!

[hopefully]

Grrrr - the best way to ease any pain or discomfort is clearly to post about it! Been suffering since 6am, and as soon as I post the pain starts to ease a bit. Still uncomfortable, still coming regularly, but not as bad.

Will let you know if it ramps up again....

[mamamufin]

Good luck hopefully fingers and everything crossed for you. Sending big hugs and positive labour vibes xxx

[ajm200]

Hopefully, they have probably eased as you are distracted and more relaxed. The more you concentrate on them and tense up the worse they will feel.

You could try sitting somewhere comfy, supported by lots of pillows or cushions, close your eyes and do some deep breathing concentrating on each breath. You can also download tracks from the web to coach you in breathing exercises. If you get really relaxed you might even fall asleep and you'll need all your energy later if this is the real thing.

[jem1969]

With DD I had what I thought was stomach ache at 36 weeks. Dh went to work, I had a bath. Didn't feel much better. A hour or so later decided to go to hospital to get checked out but really didn't think was in labour- no show, waters etc(didn't take a bag etc). To cut a long story short, was actually 6cm dilated and DD was born 6 hours later.

So- I'd speak to the MW now!

Good luck!

[MarsLady]

stay away from contraction timers, makes you focus in on the contractions. Listen to your body. Sort photos, watch a comedy, eat, drink and pee!

Hopefully this is the start and your baby is getting ready to come.

[StealthPolarBear]

MNing is the best form of labour pain relief I find
I still wasn't having regular contractions when I arrived in hospital - MW told me she would leave me as she had people further on. Pressed the button when I had my next contraction - she examined me and I was 9cm! So personally I don't put much store in contractions being regular

[ajm200]

My contraction only became regular during my induction when they turned the drip right up.

[Snaf]

What Marsy said

[Amberc]

I would say you'll be a mummy this time tomoorw. DSounds like my contractions - best of british!!!

[hopefully]

turned out to be labour! Baby boy arrived at 7:30pm, not bad considering i only decided i was definitely in labour about 11am...

[Peachy]

Congrats!

if it makes you feel better I thought ds was a false alarm- called MW on dh's insistence at midnight, born by 12.35

And he was my fourth

Now, I really should have known!

Enjoy him you lucky thing

[MrsTittleMouse]

Congratulations!