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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go to hospital (maternity) 24 weeks

69 replies

DueinOct21 · 10/07/2021 17:50

I'm exactly 24 weeks today and have had a straight forward pregnancy thus far.

For the past 2 days I've been totally drained to the extent I just can't do much, not that alarming in itself but i had an unavoidable walk to the shops today as needed shopping and really struggled. Not like me.

On the way there I started getting stomach pain, all over my bump but predominantly across my bikini line (like strong period cramps)

Trudged home and the pain is still there albeit a bit worse and occasionally spreading to my back. Slightly loose bowels. The pain is a mixture of period-like cramps and a burning sensation.

Plenty of movement from baby.

Will they think I'm wasting their time If I go in? Pre term labour doesn't seem likely but something is obviously up isn't it.

Has anybody else had similar and it been just part and parcel of pregnancy?

OP posts:
PurpleFlower1983 · 10/07/2021 17:51

Call your maternity unit for advice. They won’t think you are time wasting.

LittleRedPill · 10/07/2021 17:51

You should have a number in your notes to call the labour ward. They will be able to advise you as to what to do.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 10/07/2021 17:51

Do you have a number for midwives?

Soubriquet · 10/07/2021 17:51

No that sounds like pre-term labour to me

Call the maternity unit and see if they will get you in for observation

Northernlurker · 10/07/2021 17:54

It's probably braxton hicks, movement can exacerbate them. Plus heat, you probably aren't drinking quite enough. You need more fluid when you're pregnant. However nobody can tell you that for sure over the internet so I would ring and have a chat.

And welcome to motherhood. Always something to worry about!

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 10/07/2021 17:55

I think you just need to present at the Pregnancy Asessment Unit/your hospitals equivalent and ask them to check you over.

Definelty worth it - even if it amounts to nothing.

Jjjayfee · 10/07/2021 17:55

Definitely call and if you don't get an answer pop along to a and e. Or call 101..they offered to book me a gp at the hospital appointment. Different areas have different arrangements.

Original poster
DueinOct21 · 10/07/2021 17:55

I've tried the mobile number for my midwife, unsuccessful, so I called the DAU at the hospital I'm booked in with.

DAU was closed so I ended up on the line with labour ward, they said I can go in to be triaged but it seemed like a stock answer as opposed to her actually advising me if that makes sense. She was in a rush to get off the phone.

Hospital is an hour away aswell.

OP posts:
Amigoingmad29weeks · 10/07/2021 17:56

Call them and go in. It's never wasting their time to check on you and your baby. See my name. Always go in.

LuckilyLucky · 10/07/2021 17:57

Will they think I'm wasting their time If I go in?

Never. Always ring and go in if you are concerned.

ChaosMoon · 10/07/2021 17:58

It's probably Braxton Hicks - I got it quite severely from about 20 weeks whenever I walked anywhere.

But there could be more to it and you don't know. When in doubt, talk to your midwife / seek medical help. They'd rather reassure you that nothing's wrong, than miss something important.

Original poster
DueinOct21 · 10/07/2021 17:58

Thanks ladies, I'm going to go in.

I won't be able to leave for an hour or so as I have to sort the children but I'll get my notes and bits together now.

OP posts:
ChaosMoon · 10/07/2021 17:59

Cross posted. Go in. Yes an hour is a long journey, but all the more reason to get moving now in case it really is preterm labour.

ChaosMoon · 10/07/2021 18:00

Good luck!

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 10/07/2021 18:00

Always go and get checked if things dont feel right.

I went in with dc2 for reduced movement at around 26 weeks. They hooked me up to a monitor and came in after a bit and asked why I wasnt in pain - the monitor was picking up contractions I couldn't feel.

They gave me a scan and steroids as they were convinced this was it. Dc2 started moving again. I had to stay in overnight just incase. Thankfully, everything stopped.

They even kept the EPAU open overnight just with me in it - the MW on duty there stayed with me. They kept saying "never think twice about coming in".

Original poster
DueinOct21 · 10/07/2021 18:01

I did wonder about Braxton hicks but from what I recall (baby isn't my first) they don't go on for hours, constantly, do they?

The pain lessened a little 10 mins ago but has got a bit worse again.

OP posts:
Greenbks · 10/07/2021 18:02

Glad you are going in. Could be pre term labour, urine infection or something else. Much better that you go and have peace of mind than always regretting it

Do let us know how you get on. X

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 10/07/2021 18:04

Just get in the car and go. Halfway there ring and say "I'm on my way, I'm very concerned, I'll be 30 minutes".

Original poster
DueinOct21 · 10/07/2021 18:08

I don't drive unfortunately, I'll have to get 2 busses (1 if I can manage the 15 min walk down the road to the second bus stop I need)

OP posts:
Cotswoldmama · 10/07/2021 18:08

Braxton Hicks don't usually last long but I did get some regularly for a whole day at about 35 weeks. I went to hospital and they monitored me and they were every 10 minutes very regular but didn't seem to increase. In the end I went home and they stopped over night.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 10/07/2021 18:09

Call a taxi. You don't sound well enough for public transport. Take care.

xxxJess123xxx · 10/07/2021 18:11

Good luck, always worth checking

Lotsachocolateplease · 10/07/2021 18:11

Another one saying definitely go in and checked. Could be nothing but could be pre-term labour. No one on here or over the phone can tell you. You need to be seen.

LittleRedPill · 10/07/2021 18:13

Get a taxi if you possibly can OP. You are not well enough for public transport.

onlyreadingneverposting8 · 10/07/2021 18:16

Definitely get checked out. I suspect you have round ligament pain and the bowels are unrelated but always get checked as it's safer and will put your mind at rest. X