39 weeks +2 days. Period pains - is this it?

[SHARPIEGIRL]

Hello ladies - new to all this (mumsnet and first baby boy on the way) ...

Am 39 weeks and 2 days today. Have had medium period pains for several hours now - should I be concerned and go out and buy PJs for my labour bag? Did have an internal examination on Thursday night which was painful (as I had some fluid/ discharge leak) - and they said cervix would allow 1 finger tip.

This is my first - so slightly worried. Worried as all new, not really prepared (had assumed baby would be late as all babies in my family seem to be) and also I havent finished some work I had promised someone and I am self employed. Any advice from you experienced mums out there.

How long have I got do you reckon?

Thank you . Yours sharpiegirl

[lynniep]

hi sharpie - wont be much help but wanted to bump your post. All I can tell you is that my labour started with period pains. So its possible yes. I'm not sure now is the time to go shopping though - best thing is to ring your midwife/delivery ward and see what they advise you. There is no way of anyone telling how long from over 'here' - my labour was under 3 hours.

[lal123]

DD1 was a week early - so notall first babies are late! My labour also started with period like pains - so this could be it! I don't think I'd be heading out to do any shopping - do you have a friend or partner who could pop out for you? Re the work - what type of work is it? It might just have to wait!

[Hassled]

It might just be mild Braxton Hicks contractions, but it does sound like things are starting to get going. Have you had a show yet?

[l39]

I'm not a first timer, in fact this is my fifth! I've been having painful Braxton Hicks and backache since lunch time and have just been googling, - web says since the pain isn't getting any worse, it's definitely not labour. I'm only 38 weeks + 2, so probably got a month to go! It's quite disconcerting though. I don't think I ever had more than one or two twinges in a row in my earlier pregnancies until I actually was in labour.

I hope your pains ease off soon, and mine too! Do ring the midwife if you're worried, though.

[BecauseImWorthIt]

My first arrived at 38 weeks, and once labour got going (waters broke at 36 1/2 weeks), the first obvious sign was period-like pains. So I would say get that bag packed!!!

Good luck!

[SHARPIEGIRL]

39+3 and everything quietened down - so false alarm I think. Better go and buy those PJs today just in case though!

[SHARPIEGIRL]

39+4 and off to buy PJs this morning just in case! ;-)