38+3 with baby #3, niggly bump = labour?

[ThereMustAndShallBeTea]

I know no one can tell me but bump just feels ... odd.

Last two labours started with two days of period pains and pinky discharge, but were also both late.

Can't tell if I'm just extra-paranoid as actually can't really go into labour tonight/tomorrow (end of school term things to do!)

First babies late and second babies early is nonsense. I am currently 39 + 3 with DC2 and in unchartered territory. DS1 was born at 36 + 2 and upon reflection the first sign of labour was a change in shape of my bump. From being very neat and basketball sized, at 36 weeks my bump just went a bit lumpy and felt different. It was not for a few more days until I had a show and things got going. So trust your gut feeling, if you feel odd it might be the start. Can you get checked out by the community midwife or local hospital ante natal day unit? Personally I am desperate to go in to labour before a sweep next week.

I know the second isn't going to be early as my first two were both late

39 weeks tomorrow and still here. Next mw appt isn't until after my due date, but even if I was checked there's nothing to indicate whether labour is going to start in a couple of hours or a fortnight. So frustrating!

You probably know you don't have to have a sweep if you don't want them. I had them with my first two but no plans to have any this time even if I do go overdue - there's no evidence they make a difference and can cause issues so I don't see the point.

40 + 2 and still here too. I discussed sweeps with the midwife and I am going to have one tomorrow as I have heard positive stories from friends with their seconds especially. Not for everyone I know, but in my view there's no harm done in trying either. I share your frustration, I don't feel as though this baby is ever going to come out. Still, at least the sun is shining and I can relax in the garden this afternoon, hope you can put your feet up too.