Is this labour or just a slow start?

[sleepysammy]

Hello

Im 41 weeks pregnant tomorrow and had a "successful" sweep yesterday. Midwife informed me I was 1cm dilated. Since then been having pains particularly through the night and needing frequent trips to the loo, loosing a lot of mucous/discharge. Have had bath and paracetamol but still feeling the pains.

This is my second pregnancy but it feels so different. My pains are frequent but only last around 10-20 seconds and feel like very bad period pains. Last time I was in labour it started off with really bad pains and there was no denying it was labour, but this is totally different and Im wondering if its the start of things or just bad braxton hicks?

I have sent OH to work as he was trying my patience and is a 30 min drive away if I want him to come back. Have said I'll call him when I'm in absolute agony but dont want to leave things too late as have another 45 min drive to the hospital.

Any advice from experienced labourers?

If the pains continue if you shift position or move about, then they're BH. If they, however, are regular (and then increasing in length while shortening in length between them) then they're real contractions. My 2nd and 3rd labours were very different from my 1st (and each other). By 3rd labour I had a lot of BHs for weeks before the real ones set in, and by golly did I know it!! I also had a lot of twinges and BHs after my sweeps for my 3rd but none produced the baby. Also, it's quite common to be 1cm dilated anyway for 2nd and subsequent labours.

Good luck! Hope they develop into something more productive soon for you! :)

Sorry I meant If the pains continue if you shift position or move about, then they're NOT BH.

Thanks for the advice threebubbas, I had another sweep earlier in the week or rather failed sweep as I wasnt dilated at all then so think something is going on but like you say I should know about it! Also baby's head has dramatically dropped over night, can barely walk today and everything feels very low. Will just have to wait and see I guess. I just hate not knowing and feeling in limbo

How far apart are they? if they get regular and stronger call him back.

They are anything from 10 to 20 mins apart, so not very regular or lasting very long. So I'm not really sure if they are real contractions and now seem to be easing off slightly. Looks like a false start but hope it starts up again soon!

Feeling like you've got a bowling ball between your legs is a good sign . Bet you'll have your little one with you by Sunday! :)