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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Braxton hicks or labour?

67 replies

StillinShockAhhhhhhh · 16/02/2015 19:17

Am currently 39 +6 for the last few hours I've noticed a dull period type pain that occasionally kind of spikes then disappears. As far as I know I haven't had any braxton hicks so far and really don't know how to tell if this is actually the beginning or just me wishful thinking.

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Sensethismakesnone · 16/02/2015 19:35

Braxton hicks don't normally hurt. My labour started off with period type pains, every 6 minutes or so, you will find they get stronger each time if it's the real deal. I think most people expect their waters to go first or to have a show but that doesn't always happen and didn't with me. Good luck, fingers crossed for you it's the real thing. Be warned though it can start and then stop, for no apparent reason!

seaoflove · 16/02/2015 19:37

I had chronic BHs, and although they got on my nerves and were uncomfortable, they were never painful.

It was only when the tightenings were accompanied by period type pain (at 39+6, funnily enough!) that I knew they were real contractions. So yes, you could be in early labour. If they carry on and get stronger, there won't be any doubt!

Original poster
StillinShockAhhhhhhh · 16/02/2015 19:38

I just have literally no idea what to expect. Have read practically every bit of info I can find but still don't know how I'm going to know 'it's time'

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Sensethismakesnone · 16/02/2015 19:41

If it is it will become apparent..believe me! Have you had a dodgy tummy or anything the past couple of days? That is sometimes a sign too. And have the pains been consistent / regular? Labour can be really slow moving though (sorry) I was in 'early labour' for 18 hours!

seaoflove · 16/02/2015 19:41

You won't know at first. I pottered around having these mild pains and then noticed browny mucusy discharge when I went to the toilet (I never had a big dramatic show or anything). That carried on for about four hours and they got stronger. I started timing them. I rang labour ward to let them know I was having contractions around five minutes apart, but I knew things were still early because "they don't hurt enough" Grin

By 8pm they really hurt, but I was encouraged to stay at home until I really thought I couldn't manage Ended up going in at 10pm; baby born at 4am.

Good luck!

Zsazsabinks · 16/02/2015 20:28

If you're asking then maybe, but when it is, IT IS and you'll know! Good luck. x

Original poster
StillinShockAhhhhhhh · 16/02/2015 21:20

They seem to be getting stronger but not necessarily closer

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Zsazsabinks · 16/02/2015 21:23

That's good! I wouldn't worry about timing them until you're struggling through them. It can get a bit frustrating if they're still a little random or not getting closer, also, this bit can last for quite some time so well worth getting some rest. You'll need lots of energy later...

Sounds to me like you could be off!

Original poster
StillinShockAhhhhhhh · 16/02/2015 21:46

They are lasting about 30-40 seconds and coming every 5-8 minutes x uncomfortable but not debilitating can carry on conversation through them x

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Zsazsabinks · 16/02/2015 21:55

Ooooh! Exciting!!!! Grin

Original poster
StillinShockAhhhhhhh · 16/02/2015 22:02

At what point do I assume that this is it? Don't want to get my hopes up lol x

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Sheilathegreat · 16/02/2015 22:05

Sounds a lot like all three of my labours. I'd assume this was it..

Original poster
StillinShockAhhhhhhh · 16/02/2015 22:08

I'm still sceptical as although it does hurt I was expecting it to be a lot more obvious if that makes sense

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Mrscog · 16/02/2015 22:15

Don't assume it's it, but just keep aware. If I were you I'd try and get some sleep, even a couple of hours will help if it's the real deal! I started getting niggles around 10pm with mine, and then I stayed up to time them etc. but it meant that by the time DS was born 12 hours later, then I couldn't sleep in hospital that by the time I got home I hadn't slept in nearly 3 days!

Dogsmom · 16/02/2015 22:17

With my first I was told to go in when I couldn't talk through the pain but didn't believe I would ever get that bad.
Like you I had hours of regular mildly uncomfortable cramps that were manageable but believe me they do get to the stage where you can't talk Wink
Keep us updated, I reckon this time tomorrow you'll have had your baby.

Original poster
StillinShockAhhhhhhh · 16/02/2015 22:23

I really hope this is it have completely had enough now they are definately stronger and I would say now more frequent

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Original poster
StillinShockAhhhhhhh · 16/02/2015 22:26

Not had any kind of show or wasters breaking that I'm aware of does this mean we are still a long way off

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gallicgirl · 16/02/2015 22:29

My waters were still in tact at 10cm and I never had a show.

Had no f*ing doubt about the contractions from the off though. Those buggers hurt.

Original poster
StillinShockAhhhhhhh · 16/02/2015 22:39

TMI alert
I retract previous statement on mucus plug as am pretty sure that's what's just gone, was a kind of snot like substance with red streaks

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seaoflove · 16/02/2015 22:44

My waters didn't break until a few minutes before the baby arrived.

All looking promising OP! Have you given labour ward a ring, just so they know you might be coming in tonight?

Zsazsabinks · 16/02/2015 22:45

That sounds like show. If you can try to rest. (but keep us posted!) xx

Original poster
StillinShockAhhhhhhh · 16/02/2015 22:48

Will call them now to prewarn them x oh god I really hope this is it

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WhispersOfWickedness · 16/02/2015 22:51

Good luck OP GrinThanks

TSSDNCOP · 16/02/2015 22:55

Sound the Klaxon: LIVE birthing thread

Get your bag by the door OP!

Good luck!

Original poster
StillinShockAhhhhhhh · 16/02/2015 23:37

Spoke to midwife they have recommended going in to be checked especially as mucus plug has seemingly gone, am about 3 hours away from home at the moment so going to the local hospital to here to make sure that this is actually happening before heading back to home

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