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Childbirth

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

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Original poster

what does the very start of contractions feel like?

85 replies

lisalewis · 13/11/2006 10:54

hi i have had funny pains all over tummy for the last 12 hours or so.they have been feeling like i was in the need of going to the loo but i didnt need to.also they are starting to get a bit stronger now and are more across the middle of my belly like an in digestion. is this contractions?

OP posts:

lulumama · 13/11/2006 11:06

have they not stoppped at all for the last 12 hours? if not stopped, more likely to be labour....

have you been feeling pressure in your bottom ? abdominal tightening, discomfort or pain , with regular , rhythmic contractions are signs this is labour...

if the intensity is increasing , then that is a sign too

how many minutes between them and how long are they lasting?

Malley · 13/11/2006 11:14

Hi, when I had a sweep to try to start me off, I was told I was already in labour, 3cm dilated. All I had felt in the couple of days before is lots of pressure down below, not all the time but coming and going, I had no idea this was labour (I just didn't think it would feel like this). It was very uncomfortable but didn't really hurt.

wishingchair · 13/11/2006 11:15

in my experience, a period-type pain that lasts for say a minute (not just a jabbing pain) and then repeats after a few minutes and over time increases in length and intensity, are labour contractions.

How many weeks are you?

Original poster

lisalewis · 13/11/2006 11:16

thanks lunamum dont know what i would have done with out all your answers in the last few months.they havent really been in any sort of order.they have only really just began to take my breath away but still they are not painfull.they have been about 30 mins apart for the last couple.there has been pressure in my nether regions but nothing imense.

OP posts:

Original poster

lisalewis · 13/11/2006 11:18

im 39 weeks plus 2 days. i have had pressure for a few days and just not felt right but they seem to be getting stronger. nothing like i had imagened though. i was expecting them to be really painfull and for me to know thta they was contractions.

OP posts:

PinkTinsel · 13/11/2006 11:20

sounds like pre-labour or early labour to me. had what you describe for 2/3 days before going into proper labour with dd. they build in intensity as you get closer to the birth, by 5cm or so you won't be in much doubt as to whats happening!

try and relax, make sure you've got everything ready for the hospital and get some sleep if you can. and eat something if your up to it, you might not want to further in and you'lll need your energy.

good luck!

lulumama · 13/11/2006 11:21

could be it....hard to know without seeing you or hearing you!!!

if you can talk through them, or have to take a sharp intake of breath sounds like it is beginning.....

keep an eye on things for the next couple of hours.....if the time between them decreases, and they increase in intensity..sounds like 'it'......

try and keep moving, eat something nutritious and keep your fluids up!!

rest if you feel like it though....

when they are around 5 minutes apart..probably time to get to hospital....

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY....IT WILL TELL YOU WHAT TO DO...

i ended up spending most of my early labour bent over an portable air conditioning unit and swinging off a door!!

might have a while to go yet!! keep us posted..

Malley · 13/11/2006 11:24

It does sound like early labour. After the sweep, I was 5cm, about an hour later, they became much stronger and very regular. (sweep really sped things up for me)

Good luck with it all, hope it goes well

tortoiseshell · 13/11/2006 11:26

For me, BH contractions are like tightenings across the tummy, real contractions I feel in my hips and back, and it's more like a period ache than a tightening.

Toady · 13/11/2006 11:48

LOL at lulumama swinging off a door

seriously though sounds like your body is getting itself prepared for labour.

Original poster

lisalewis · 13/11/2006 12:18

thanks everybody am trying to get house tidy and ready just incase anything happenes and tgo take my mind off it else its like waiting for paint to dry

OP posts:

lulumama · 13/11/2006 12:32

early labour is long and boring! potter around! is your bag packed??

Original poster

lisalewis · 14/11/2006 12:21

hi everyone im still around, ended up at labour wards last night to be told i havent leaked any of my waters and as all of my pains had stopped to just sit and wait.i went to see midwife this morning who did a strech and sweep, she said i was already 2-3 cm dialted and she could strech me to about 4and half. she also said i was sitting preety and that it looked good. im not sure what to expect know though or what to do to help any suggestions?

OP posts:

lulumama · 14/11/2006 12:26

that is really positive lisa...don't be surpirsed if this goes on for another day or so...sounds like your are effacing nicely....(cervix thininng) and dilating...!! all good stuff... a sweep can get you into labour within 24 - 48 hours if you are ready to go...

do some more nipple stimulation...really good for releasing the hormones that dilate you .....non medical induction tips!

you are well on the way.....xx

Thecharmed1 · 14/11/2006 12:29

Wish you the best of luck.

Is this your 1st?

Looking forward to read your birth story

Original poster

lisalewis · 14/11/2006 12:31

yeah midwife told me to have intercourse tonight but to be gental and purhaps a wlak this afternoon but againg only if i feel upto it. i feel abit sick at the mo not sure if thats a sign. am trying to just keep busy by doing housework.im still haveing the period cramps she said i would get for a bit after the sweep so will keep an eye on them.

OP posts:

lulumama · 14/11/2006 12:32

remember to save some energy for labour.......do what you feel like doing....no sex if your waters go though!

Original poster

lisalewis · 14/11/2006 12:38

no i wont if they go. had them checked lastnight and they are still in tact.i just hopes this works.cant wait for son to be born but knowing my luck will not work and end up being induced when overdue.so am just trying to think positive but not get hopes up. im just feeling like i have a dull ache over back and lower tummy hope it stays.

OP posts:

Original poster

lisalewis · 14/11/2006 12:41

thanks thecharmed1 its my second but had a very bad time with first. he stopped moving at 38 weeks so ended up being induced early.i was in terible pain from the begining and midwife didnt belive me so spent 4 hours not even being able to talk was in so much pain then they eventually took me to labour wards where i was left again for 2 hours and then given an epidural.i then went for anouther 8 hours and gave birth but he wasnt breathing, they brought him back though and hes fine . i then had retained placenta .so not a good experience this is why i dont want to be induced this time.

OP posts:

lulumama · 14/11/2006 12:44

no wonder you are anxious....sound like all is doing what it should at the moment....xx

Original poster

lisalewis · 14/11/2006 12:45

thanks. will keep you all posted throughout the day.

OP posts:

Original poster

lisalewis · 14/11/2006 12:50

should i have a bath??????? not sure if thats supposed to help but am at home alone so dont want to if its going to cause alot of pain

OP posts:

lulumama · 14/11/2006 12:52

bath should help with any discomfort...take the phone with you though!

Original poster

lisalewis · 14/11/2006 17:20

well still here had contractions all afternoon at 10mins apart but not getting any closer. had abit more of a show aswell.

OP posts:

lulumama · 14/11/2006 17:22

this happened to my sister....she had 48 hours of this...the contractions NEVER stopped...just stayed every 10 mins or so....and then on the 3rd day , she had the baby!

hang on in there.....you are getting there....have you had a bounce on the gym ball,, did the bath help at all?

losing more of your show is good...every little bit helps.....xx

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