Anyone up? What do you think - am I in labour?

[feedmecake]

I'm 40+8 and I had sweep on Monday after which the baby engaged and I had some mild period pain that was constant rather than in definite phases and disappeared by the following morning. I then had another sweep on Friday, which was very uncomfortable, and where the midwife said my cervix was still not dilated. Then Friday afternoon I had a show, and more during Saturday daytime.

Went to bed last night, and woke up at 3am this morning with period pains both front and back and a need to sit on the loo. Since then, had relatively regular pains every 20 minutes or so lasting, maybe 15 seconds.

I'm guessing this is labour then?

They're a bit too strong to sleep through, and it's better when I'm upright. What do I do with myself at this time in the morning - bake cakes, clean the floor??

I am so excited for you!

Yay new babies!

I watched a a movie (The Princess Bride!) in the early stages of labour with dd1. Sewing seems far more useful ;)

I did the tesco shop when in labour with my first, and just tried to keep quite with the second - Christmas eve middle of the night 14 other people sleeping at my parents house! Dc2 now 4 weeks old today - worth it all : )
Keep up the good work and you will soon be holding your own little one

How exciting!Please keep us updated

I always envy these women who have these nice gentle starting labours and are able to have a bath or read a mag! My waters went all of a sudden and at that very same moment I had a huge contraction (out of nowhere!) and they continued every 3 mins for the next 11 hours!!

Good luck!

And so.... nothing!

Had a good few more contractions, and then they stopped! So I went back to bed and had three hours sleep instead. :)

Hmmm. Any tips for getting them started again now I'm awake? Maybe I spoke too soon and that induction still is on the cards.

Go for a walk - just not too far - just incase!
I think it sounds positive that your body is starting to go through the motions fingers crossed for you that it all happens naturally

OK, a walk it is.

how did the walk go, feedme? Midwife always said a walk down a hill or steps was the best for getting things going.

Hoping feedmecake is cradling her baby by now.

I also advocate the gentle stroll uphill. And stay as relaxed as you can, your bosy needs to know its safe for baby to come out

The candle blowing breathing - imagine the candle moving further away from you with each breath, so you have to blow harder. This will be more useful once the pain picks up a bit, as you concentrate on the candle rather than the contraction

Good luck!

Any luck with the walk??