Hi everyone, just looking for some advice, really - am due to have a section on the the November with DS2 due to having a traumatic first delivery and some psychological issues. Basically I have a phobia about internal examinations, am seeing a counsellor about this but it's early days, and the thought of it absolutely terrifies me. Am currently 37 + 2, and am having strong but infrequent BH (strong enough to require painkillers, but certainly not unbearable - they're not regular either). Because I was induced last time, I've got no idea what naturally going into labour feels like - last time I went straight from nothing to full blown contractions. I'm absolutely terrified that I'l go into natural labour, I wont realise whats happening until it's too late, and I'll end up not able to have a section, or even an epidural, and I'll end up having to give birth without any pain relief. This is basically what happened last time, and I'm so scared I'll end up in the same situation again. What does the onset of of labour feel like? Will be able to tell what's happening in enough time to get to the hospital (about 45 minutes away). I know that no one can really gie me the answer to this, and that every person/labour is different, but am just so so so scared.
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Pregnancy
Mine was just like normal period pains that intensified and became more frequent. I did know it was it was labour as pains were very regular & I could time them on my phone. Even though DD arrived quickly enough for a first baby, had plenty of time to go to hospital.
I asked obstetrician about it this time around and he said he'd never heard anyone describe labour as like terrible period cramps (he is male though 
) so I'm curious too as to others descriptions.
I hope that helps a little, on phone so not a v detailed reply. I'd say anxiety is worse now than when things actually kick off if you know what I mean- waiting is making me anxious about it as well & I had straight forward birth. 
I don't mean every period is like labour btw! 
Just that its the same kind of pain with body cramping to get out little one. Initial pains were identical to period though for me.
With dc1 my labour started off as period type cramps, I had cramps every night for about a week and I knew there were actually labour when I got up, had a shower and the pains didn't disappear, they got more and more intense and closer together.
With dc2 I woke up in the middle of the night with a pain, there was no gentle gradual increase they were intense 60 seconds+ long and 6/7 mins apart, I knew it was labour right away.
Good luck 
Twice my labour started with my waters breaking and twice with Braxton hicks type contractions that got stronger and longer.
I'm pregnant with number 5 and get long runs of Braxton hicks from about 3/4 lasting a good couple of hours and prob about 5 minutes apart. When it's the real thing they'll get longer/closer/more painful. They also won't stop or wear off as much if you go to sleep.
Good luck with your section op 
at my obstetrician! Wouldn't it be nice to have an obs who has given birth!
Gennz & DanielSan, if pains are intensifying & becoming more frequent I'd ring maternity unit if in any doubt, especially if it's your 2nd DanielSan. I didn't have any BH, went straight to labour with mine so I wont be hanging around this time. If pains are every 6/7 mins apart and lasting one minute, I'll be calling my mum to come mind DD while I go in. First time around I waited until every 4/5 mins but that was within 30-45 mins iirc (& maternity ward told me not to come in until after a bath when I rang first).
At antenatal classes they kept telling us not to come in too early, that first labours are long, but mine wasn't and I'm glad I ignored them in the end. If I was wrong, I could have just gone home again.
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