I’m 39+2 weeks pregnant. The baby descended about two weeks ago and at my midwives appointment yesterday, they said the head was fully engaged and I was 20% effaced. Yesterday I think I lost my mucous plug (Sorry if TMI!) Gentle contractions started last night at 3:45am every 10 minutes or so. My contractions have now been every 5 minutes for a minute, for the last 5 hours. The problem is: They are deeply uncomfortable but not excruciatingly painful. I can still carry on with life despite them, although I’m pretty sure they aren’t Braxton Hicks as the pain crescendos then diminishes, and changing positions doesn’t help at all, nor does staying hydrated. They’re worse than period cramps, but they don’t make me wish for death (which is how I felt when labour was established with my DD!)
The midwives advised me to stay at home until I have a contraction that I can no longer talk through (or if my water breaks or there is bloody discharge).
I’m not typically one to question medical advice, but this is my second baby and I’m aware that once things start in earnest, they can go quickly. The hospital is a 30-50 minute drive away, depending on traffic. WIBU to head that way anyway? Or are the midwives right in saying that this could go on for days and I’ll be more comfortable at home? I just don’t want to end up in the local paper having delivered in a taxi by the side of the road!