Don't know what to do FTM!

[Gabbslou]

I had my 36 week midwife appointment this morning and got told my body is preparing for labour now. I also got told my bump is measuring at 38 weeks and have to see a consultant tomorrow. What will happen? Also this afternoon at about 2 I lost my mucus plug and began getting back ache and some cramping but nothing to stop me in my tracks. Is this all just build up to the real thing or should I be more aware of labour kicking in now? Thanks for any help in advance!

Oo sounds exciting!! Tomorrow your consultant will have a good squidge of your bump and I bet you are in announcements tomo night!!

What else happens at the consultant appointment?

I've been low risk midwife led care so far and only seen by the same midwife each appointment so this is a bit daunting for me

Laid in bed feeling restless now and struggling to sleep. Still have constant period like pains and I've now gained a headache and feel abit nauseous too. What could this be? Am I in early labour, slow labour? I don't want to ring up the midwife unit as I'm at the hospital in the morning anyway.. just some advice and opinions on here will be good for now.. thank you!

You might well be starting labour or it could be practice. If it starts to get a rhythm, time it, have a paracetamol and try to rest.

The period like pains are just constant and I don't feel like they've slowed or stopped at all and my back too but that's more of a background ache if that makes sense? Tried taking paracetamol but hasn't seemed to work! im just in bed tossing and turning.

Do you have the labour ward phone number in your notes? If you become actively uncomfortable or are worried, give them a call. I went in to check after my plug had gone because I ached. I was put on the monitor which showed some activity but wasn't properly labour. It was in full swing 18 hours later and dc1 was born within 24 hours of the plug going.

watching with HUGE interest..30 weeks and clueless here!

good luck OP!!

Good luck op, not to put a downer on it for you but I lost my plug 2 weeks before I went/induced into labour, the midwife told me it can grow back.

If you get sharp painful pains, call labour ward. Heck, call labour ward if you're worried about anything at all.

But best thing is probably a warm bath or to stay in bed and rest to ease the pains. Could well be just braxton Hicks preparing you.

If you are suddenly measuring two weeks ahead, it is likely to be excess waters which may indicate a problem with the baby. So don't be surprised if your appointment recommends immediate or imminent delivery by induction or c-section.

Best of luck.

Thank you everyone! I'll keep you all updated. Feeling mixed emotions prior to seeing the consultant though.

Update!!
The consultant was happy with everything, my blood pressure was fine and urine test was clear. Baby's heartbeat was normal. She had a good feel and said all she can feel is my baby and my very strong stomach muscles. I have to keep an eye on things but I'm allowed to be back to midwife led care again but if bump still measures big I'm allowed to be referred straight for a scan! I can finally breath and rest through this last leg of pregnancy!