Is this the start of labour?

[lostsocks]

I am 40 + 4, had a sweep last week and think I have lost my mucus plug over a few days but could be mistaken.

For the past hour or so I have had really bad cramping - it hasn't clearly been coming and going though so I haven't been able to time the pain. It does get much worse when I stand up and walk around, and the pain is definitely much worse than the few times I have felt small bits of pain over the past couple of weeks. The pain is right at the front of my abdomen, but has sometimes spread to both sides of my back - mainly focused at the front though.

Do you think that this could be a false alarm if the pain gets much worse when I'm walking around and almost stops when I am sitting/lying down?

Suppose all I can do is wait to see what happens over the next couple of hours. First time parent so any advice/other people's experiences would be great!

I think tbh it sounds like early stages of labour. If it changes with position I think that's one of the features that they look for (means early labour)

Could be mistaken, but hope that helps.

Excited for you!
Congrats x

Of course it is. Doesn't give any clues when you are to expect an appearance however do plan for an overnight active labour and get as much rest as you can now.

Thank you!

It just seemed a bit odd that when I am sitting/lying down it's only slightly painful cramps but when I am pacing about the pains have been so much worse?

So sit/lie down . Do what your body says!

I agree with starlight. Just do what is most comfortable, have a nap etc.
When I had DS I was in early labour from 1am -8am, went to hospital, threw up everywhere, not examined as waters had gone, and went home. Slept 12-6pm, woke up needing to push, got to hospital, and had to push just there. 20 mins after getting to hospital I had DS.
Only painkiller was 2 paracetamol at lunch!

(Trying to cheer you up with nice birth story)
btw.. that was my first too..

Just do what you feel you need to.

Sorry.. missed out the part about never having regular contractions, even right at the end were 2 mins apart, then 10 mins apart etc. MW was rubbing my stomach at one point trying to start them again.

So in other words, they don't have to be regular to be in 'proper' labour.

So exciting, hope it isn't a false alarm! Will keep you updated!

Hmmm, nothing since my last post. I took the dog for a walk to see if it would get things going again but nothing! But the pain earlier was honestly really strong and nothing like any of the twinges I had felt before that. Do you think it could be possible that things start happening later this evening?

I think it's still a possibility.

(Adding to the stuff I wrote earlier about my labour, DS was back to back at AM hosp visit, then normal for evening. In the morning I went in cos it got really really painful, but cos I threw up and everything stopped they said I wansn't "in labour")

Oooh.. can't wait.. I love little babies.
It's your first you said?
Do you know what you're having yet?

x