How did you know you were in labour?

[mollysmum82]

With DD I remember being worried during pregnancy that I wouldn't know when I was in labour. The midwife had laughed and said "oh trust me, you'll know!" but when it came to it I had no idea! I woke up with a bad bleed so I went to hospital, only to be told I was already 5cm dilated...DD arrived within the hour! I must have been in labour through the night with no idea!

I'm now 35 weeks pregnant and wondering what to look out for this time. How did you first know you were in labour? Was it bad pain or waters breaking? Or were there any other signs which told you? Thanks lots

I woke up at 3.30am with a very painful, unmistakeable contraction.

Both times waters went first. With first baby very regular contractions started within an hour. I guess I knew they were contractions and not pg aches and pains because of waters. With DD similar, but contractions were as soon as waters had gone and much closer together, although less strong.

Both of my labors started with my waters breaking, quickly followed by very intense contractions.

Started with period type pain, then built up to full on very painful contractions over the day. DD born 4am. Now 39+3 weeks with DC2 and just hoping it happens soon/wondering if it will be the same as last time. Sleeping through the contractions would be great! All the best, OP.

My waters broke BIG STYLE. No denying it. Very painful contractions started 4 hours later, continued for 10 hours, out popped a baby ):

OP i wondered the same. I am due with DC2 today. and keep thinking what to look out for as with DD it just happened :S. I had been on my birth ball that afternoon. then i stood up, literally had a twinge in my back, then 5mins later - bam - contractions. I definitely knew it was time as I was breathing and not talking! Waters didnt break until DD was almost out.

This time - I feel more nervous as I just can't remember what to expect considering it was only 18m ago. DD's labour was on a day i really thought was just "another overdue day"

With DD my waters broke BIG TIME, no question about have I just pissed myself, we're talking niagra falls for a moment. Contractions were unmistakable after about 10 mins.
DS on the other hand, woke in night with pain, decided was constipation. Had same pain next morning. Decided wasn't constipation and put down to Braxton Hicks'. Pains kept coming and going all morning but nothing significant. Drove to community midwife appoitnment and had 2 pains on drive there. Contractions were every 5 minutes from that point on and DS arrived just over 2 hours later!

How did you find it 2nd time gangsta?

I keep waking up in the night thinking is this backache going somewhere, but turns out to be bh's and needing a wee