Cramping - is this labour?

[kipper31]

Hi

I am 39+4 and this morning ended up in hospital because of a small bleed and reduced movements. I had an internal examination and was told that they thought it may have been a show or could be down to cervical problems I had at the beginning of the pregnancy. Since a few hours after the examination I have had cramping, like a mixture between period pains and if you have an upset stomach. They aren't regular and last varying amounts of time (less than a minute to a couple of minutes). Does this sound like labour? I am a first time mum and haven't a clue what I am doing!!!! To top it all off, for some reason I have got a load of spots today which I haven't had for 9 months grrrr.

Have you called your MW / Day Assessment Unit / Labour Wards and asked their opinion?

I had a long latent phase (4 or 5 days) with lots of spotting with DD1. The day I went into labour I was in hospital for a presentation scan and the registrar chose to palpate quite vigorously. I went into labour a few hours later (although I was 41+3 by then), and it started with the type of back ache I get at the start of periods for about an hour, and then went straight into pretty regular contractions. DD arrived 7 hours later.

I'd get a professional opinion to make sure they're not worried about the spotting - and then make sure you've got your bags packed and ready as (from my vast experience of 1 child ) it could well be labour starting.

Good luck

^^ what tangle said

Thanks guys. I asked at the hopsital this morning and they said I may have more spotting so I am not too concerned about that. The midwife did palpate quite hard, so perhaps he has just disturbed things. Started timing pains to see if I can see any pattern, so far it makes me feel as the baby is coming out of my bowels!!

Going for the plain speaking approach, do you mean that you feel as though you need to do a massive poo but there's nothing there?

it could well be

i have laboured twice, both were v different in terms of how they started, and different from what you describe - all labours are different and this could be it

second the advice to pack a labour bag

don't be like me and go in with only a mobile and the number of a taxi firm, thinking 'i am sure it's all a big fuss over nothing and they'll send me straight home'

Yes Tangle that is exactly what I mean!!

OK - this could be utterly paranoid and its long shot, but with both DD1 and DD2 by the time I got to that point I was transition/2nd stage and what I was actually feeling was an urge to push. I'd be inclined to call the labour ward ASAP and get advice just in case that is where you are. Not all labours are long. Not all labours are painful.

I'll reiterate, I'm not experienced and I'm not a MW - but I am now a little bit concerned! Let us know how you're doing if/when you get a chance!

any news? hope you're ok xx