When you look back,how much warning did you have before you went into labour?

[threecurrantbuns]

I know I'm in the symptom spotting stage 39+2.

I've had two a week early and can't really remember having alot of 'signs' that labour might be approaching.

I do know that my last labour was very quick once @ did know I was in labour. So trying to be aware of things possibly starting especially as I hate childcare to organise and may not have much time.

Problem is I get loads of bh and niggles, so wonder if that's why I didn't realise it really was labour until I got a huge contraction with last dc and half an hour later he was born.

Suppose to say, 'once I' and 'have' childcare

I was sent for monitoring on the Wednesday evening (39+5), checked BP, VE and on monitor for 45 mins. Was told they would see me in 7 days for another check and a sweep. No signs of being ready to have a baby, sent home at 11pm. first minor contraction at just after 1am Thursday morning DD born at 3am. I have never seen so many shocked staff!

I just keep hoping I'll know or get a sign. More so I can get to birth centre in time and arrange someone for the children.

About 41w and 10 days!

I'm sorry, I didn't really get any warning either time. The first time I was just lying on the floor eating supper and reading the paper and needed to go to the loo, and when I was sitting there my waters went. So I grabbed a towel and rang my dad to come and take me to the hospital. First contraction when we arrived - so about half hour after waters going - and then steady for the next 8 hours till he was born.

Second time, it was 6.54 in the morning, I had what I thought was just a little pain, like wind or something - lasted seconds - then 6 minutes later another one. And then another few minutes and I sort of guessed that it might be happening. So I rang the midwife and she said see how you are in an hour but they just came every 3 minutes after that point so she grudgingly turned up, and stayed when she realised I was 3-4 cm gone. And he was born at 10.32 that morning.

I think it's probably wise if your last labour was quick to make some contingency plans that allow for another fast one! Good luck x

Luckily my mum only lived up the road the second time, so she came to get ds1 quite quickly.

If I'd had to wait for DP to get back from work or something I'd have been in trouble! But if people know you're having a baby they will generally rally round...my friend was passing on her way to work and she stayed, in fact she was brilliant, really helped, like having a doula or something. I had a doula actually but she kind of froze, she was only training, and I don't think she knew what to do! Bless her.

And then the postman turned up, oh it was like a party

So make sure you have nice neighbours at least. People will always help I think if there's a baby involved.

Erm, none.

Went to see gynaecologist for check up. He said nothing's happening and neck of womb not yet at right angle. Thirty minutes later I was having contractions five minutes apart and went directly to hospital and directly into delivery room. DD (my only child) born ca. four hours later.

Ds3 born yesterday - went to the loo at 2.15 am, waters broke, called midwife, bundled dcs into car to drop them at friends', arrived hospital 3.45am 8cm dilated, ds3 bon in water 4.55am

Have plans for various people to come over for the children, knowing when to call them is another matter.

My dh can't leave work until a replacement arrives so just have to hope a replacement arrives quickly if he is at work.

My second was a homebirth which was also quick my food shopping delivery arrived when I was pushing. Sons delivery man lol

Did any off you have lots of bh sometimes painful?

This is partly my problem I've had moments of thinking this is something starting. But obviously hasn't. Just don't want to get caught out.

Poor not sons lol