What should I expect

[Ithoughtihadthisdown]

Hi, I am 34 weeks and thinking about the imminent arrival. While this is my third I have been induced both times before (gestational diabetes) but have managed to avoid that this time and am about to have my first experience of natural labour.

Only problem is I don't know what to expect in terms of how it all starts off. The midwives are great, but everyone seems to think that as a third time mum I will know what expect - and I don't have a clue. I don't want to be one of those people turning up to hospital just to I be sent home, so does anyone have any hints and tips of what to look for and when to stay home, when to head to the maternity ward, etc?

I phoned in when contractions were 5 mins apart and they told me then to come in when they were 3mins apart.

Every pregnancy and labour is different, so hard to predict exactly what will happen. I think it's safe to assume that you will recognise the feelings when they occur. And I wouldn't worry about being "one of those people" - as it's your third, it would seem likely that once you go into labour your body will remember what to do and crack on with it!

Good luck :)