Effacement?! wtf is going on down there?!

[luckykitty]

Ok, advice needed!
I am 30+4 (first pregnancy) and for the last day on and off, mostly on I have had this weird pain which I thought was my baby moving differently at first, but im not so sure now!
It feels like someone is shoving a knitting needle up there and prodding me about - and sort of like there is a big bubble up there which then dissapears - sorry if TMI (or if I sound totally mental)
It happened a lot yesterday, and now that im up its happening again, it actually makes me jump and swear and its really sharp! it feels like she has shovels for hands and is trying to dig her way out - which i sincerely hope she isnt! I have no other symptoms at all by the way and feel fine otherwise.
I googled it and came up with stuff about effacement - having not done this before can someone tell me if this sounds vaguely like it, do i see midwife or not?
Thank you!!

I would always phone a midwife if you are worried.

It is probably just things stretching, BUT effacement is part of labour so definitely call.

Thank you lots x

I'm 38 weeks. Think this child may be part unicorn (specifically the horn part), as I get what you describe. I'm not googleing though, so sanitised description of effacement please?

as I understand it (I'm no expert) the cervix needs to open (dilate) and get thinner (effacement) in order for you to give birth.

Well i've been having this on and off for weeks, and no sign of early baby if that makes you feel better. Still loads of movement, that kind of thing.

I had this about two to three weeks before ds arrived the day before his due date, and at my visit to the mw the next day she told me it was the babys head moving down and it was engaged, these pains your havin would be exactly like i would have described mine and i remember being out shopping with my mum and when the pain came i was having to cross my legs and hold my breath.

I have just almost wet myself laughing at the part unicorn comment!
I spoke to the delivery suite at the hospital who then told me to come in, they hooked me up to a monitor and she started moving like normal, still with shovel hands (or horn first!), I was getting more and more concerned about movement as she seemed to have gone into hibernation

A Dr. had a good look with the use of the biggest torch in the world ever which was possibly one of the funniest moments of my life so far and everythings still intact and in the right place - I was very relieved!

The Dr thinks that the problems with my pelvis might be causing the pain, which does make sense now its been explained, doesnt make it any better though - the midwife said she might have got into a funny position too.
Either way she is ok and its brought it home that she will be here soon which is scary but lovely

Thanks again for the advice, greatly appreciated - hope youre all ok x x