Thank you for all your congratulations, still very shocked its all over but whilst Isla has a nap on my chest thought I'd write my experience whilst still fresh!
So lost what I guess actually was my plug - snail trail,
No bloody show or anything.
Next day went on as normal and started having really bad lower back ache and generally feeling a bit crampy, nothing that alarmed me so went to Morrisons to buy some prawns and as I got back in the car I noticed small gush of fluid - probably about 2 shot glasses full. Drove home got in and ran to the loo with the runs and then back ache started getting worse. Waited till DP came home at 6 and then we went up to triage where they examined me and I was 2cm. At this point my contractions felt like bad period pains that came from my back around to my front.
Decided to go home as lady in bed next to me was far too annoying - got home 9ish and kept an eye on contractions which were every 4-5 mins but quite irregular. Decided to go back to labor ward as they were hurting a bit more and didnt have a clue what was going on. Next examination showed i was 4cm and this was about 12 ish.
From 12ish till 5 in the morning my contractions were getting really strong and more and more painful. Isla was moving with each one which was making it worse and they were worried about dip in heart rate so had to put a clip on head (which felt disgusting when baby was moving lol) I then started to feel pressure in my bum and thought after 4 hours I must be nearly ready to push but after examination I was still only 4cm. Absolutely freaked out and they were now worried about not progressing so started to think about drip whilst I demanded an epidural.
Anesathist came round to do the epidural and just as she was about to put it in I screamed to stop as I felt a lot of pressure in my bum like I wanted to push - mw said there was no point in examing me as had only been 30 mins but I knew things had moved on - she examined me and I was 10cm and ready to push - pushed through the pain and 15mins later Isla was born with help from ventouse and small cut.
The last bit going from 4cm to baby out in 45 mins was painful but all in all I can't believe how easy it was. I was so scared after hearing horror stories but It was nothing like them, I trusted in my body and although it did hurt it was bearable with only gas and air - I loved it! DP got a lot of sick over him and is scratched to death but we are both very happy she is finally here!