How do you know little niggles are the start of something?

[ZebraZeebra]

I know, the age old question

I already have a two year old but I was induced so I only know what super powerful, unmistakable contractions feel like.

I'm 39+2. For the past few weeks have had very uncomfortable Braxton hicks, period pain type cramps and two "stomach bugs" of vomiting and diarrhoea - but since they were in the same week I suspect they were my body gearing up. Today I went on a three mile walk mostly uphill. Since being home I've had irregular pains in my lower bump - but I don't know if they are the start of something niggles, or just pelvic / ligament pain.

Can you describe how it was for you if you went into labour naturally but didn't realise for ages? I appear to be clueless

Oh and the past few days I feel constantly on the verge of a poo but nothing happens!

I didn't experience anything with my first baby - no little signs at all so it's kind of new to me. The needing a poo thing feels like a lot of pressure around that whole area.

You don't know until contractions actually start and even then you are not sure because they only become regular over time.....that's pretty much how I started...A day or two of niggles before I starting contracting regularly....

I've been induced twice and went on my own with my second son, with him I knew something was happening when I couldn't sit down. I had awful pain in my bum and bottom of my back. I know it's not the same for everyone but wanted to share oh and good luck

I had my baby 47 hours ago so it's all very fresh in my mind.

I'd also had a few cramps and niggles and wondered if it was the start but on Friday morning I was woken with what I just knew was a proper one.
It was a much sharper pain down the front of my bump and in my lower back, not an ache or a cramp, stronger than that.
She was my 2nd and I instantly remembered the feeling even though I'd been trying to before but couldn't. It lasted 30 seconds and the next was identical and 5 minutes later.

Within an hour they were 2 minutes apart and an hour after that I couldn't talk through it.

I expected her to be here quickly as I didn't know they could come on so fast and intense but it was 14 hours start to finish even though I was having at least 6 every 10 minutes.

For all three of mine, I woke with mild period pain that came and went at regular intervals. These intervals got closer, the pain got worse... :)

Hi all - just wanted to let you know that they were indeed niggles! Started irregular contractions at 4.30, by 8 they were three minutes apart, by 10.30 there was no let up and dD was born at home at 11.52!

Thanks for all your replies

Congratulations! :)

Ahh congratulations