Could I be in early labour?

[butterflylove16]

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone could please help?

I'm 37&3 with my first, & wondering if I'm perhaps in early labour. This past few days my braxton hicks have been a lot stronger & more frequent, & my midwife told me the other day dd is very low & fully engaged. Anyway, I've not felt myself since this morning, & since about 2pm I have felt really crampy. About every 20 mins my belly goes really tight & the the cramping gets stronger, & it feels more intense than my previous braxton hicks. I've been like this for hours, but I don't know if I'm just being silly, especially as I don't think I've lost my mucus plug (sorry if tmi!), although I have generally been having some more discharge.

I understand that this isn't a substitute for a medical opinion, I was just wondering what people think as I don't want to waste the midwife's time.

Thank you :)

[Jodie1982]

Early labour pains feel a lot like horrible period pains that come in waves, and can take your breath away. Just time the pains and if the pain increases you should call maternity triage. Good luck.

[butterflylove16]

Thank you! Everything is just so new I have been feeling unsure.

[butterflylove16]

I decided to call as my possible contractions are now about 5 mins apart. The midwife thinks I'm in the early stages of labour, but just to try & rest at home for now!

[babyboomersrock]

Hope you manage to get some sleep over the next few hours, but if you don't, it probably means your baby is on its way!

Will be thinking of you and wishing you a lovely productive night

[butterflylove16]

Thank you so much I have managed to get a little sleep but awoken with stronger pain now! Will see how I go & hopefully will post again when she's here...I'll just wait & see!

[lljkk]

oo... how exciting .

[Tumtitum]

When I was in labour I found lying in bed listening to relaxation CDs really helped me rest. If you don't have any you could download to your phone? Good luck :)

[Jodie1982]

Oh wow good luck OP. How are the pains?

[MyBreadIsEggy]

How's it going OP?!! Is it getting stronger?! Or do we have a baby?!

[butterflylove16]

Hi everyone, much the same as earlier which I'm a little disappointed about. Still roughly every 5 mins, but although the possible contractions hurt it isn't getting any stronger since the early hours. I had a bath & listened to some relaxing music earlier, as well as about 1 1/2 hours sleep before that. I just hope that she comes now, but wondering it might not be proper labour! I know it's a few weeks early, but she would be fine if she was born now & I just want to meet her Thank you all for your comments x

[MyBreadIsEggy]

Go for a big, long walk! Walk up and down the stairs sideways like a crab! Bounce of a yoga ball! Have sex!!

[butterflylove16]

The walking, stairs & yoga ball yes...not sure about the other thing though haha! Dh has just left for work anyway! I'll just see how I go & hopefully things move along

[MyBreadIsEggy]

If you're not in full on labour when by the time he gets home....attack him haha! My waters broke immediately after some rather "enthusiastic" sex

[butterflylove16]

Haha! I'll keep it in mind

[Tumtitum]

Butterfly don't feel despondent, my contractions stayed pretty much the same and about 5 mins apart from the first 12 hours, then my waters broke and I was fully dilated within an hour! Don't hang around like I did if your waters break (it was shrine Tuesday so i made pancakes before going to hospital!! )!!

[butterflylove16]

Thank you so much tumtitum That's reassuring to hear. Labour can be very slow (especially as dd is my first), I'm just trying to not get too excited right now. Haha I love that you made pancakes first!!

[Tumtitum]

Obviously meant Shrove Tuesday! Brain is frazzled by baby being up half the night! Also I found having a bath slowed things down so maybe avoid any more baths! Good luck and keep us updated :)

[Tumtitum]

Obviously meant Shrove Tuesday! Brain is frazzled by baby being up half the night! Also I found having a bath slowed things down so maybe avoid any more baths! Good luck and keep us updated :)

[babyboomersrock]

Hope things are starting to move on, butterfly - if not, I second going for a long walk - as briskly as you can manage!

[Tumtitum]

Just don't do what a friend of mine did and walk 6k so was consequently knackered for labour!!

[Tumtitum]

Just don't do what a friend of mine did and walk 6k so was consequently knackered for labour!!

[butterflylove16]

Dh & I went for a nice walk when he got back from work. My tightenings/possible contractions are feeling a bit stronger but it's not super painful or anything. I would love for this to be labour but am wondering if it's just my body preparing itself for labour? Only time will tell! -oh & I certainly didn't walk 6k haha, & no more baths either just bouncing on my exercise ball lots!

[babyboomersrock]

You're doing the right things, butterfly. Keep moving during the day and try to sleep/rest during the night. Good luck!

[DorothyHarris]

Sounds very much like early labour. I had this on and off for about 36 hours before my waters broke. Once you're in labour you'll know. All the best.

[butterflylove16]

Thank you so much everyone I really appreciate all of your replies x