How do you know?

[Gooseygoosey12345]

This is going to sound so silly because I already have a dd but how do you really know when you're in labour? I had no contractions with my dd until just before she came out (or I didn't feel them at least). I went to hospital for another reason and they told me I was in labour. I've felt nauseous, have pressure in my pelvis, I'm extra tired, have backache and can't stop weeing. What do you think? Am I just hoping that I am and inventing symptoms ha. I just don't want to leave it too late as once my contractions started with dd and they broke my waters she was out in minutes. Don't fancy giving birth at home alone

Anyone?

How pregnant are you?
My experience was the total opposite to yours as I was in labour for a week but as soon as I woke up with period type pains I knew it was early labour. However it dragged on and on and I was admitted to hospital 3 days after contractions started so they could try to move things along.

Have you noticed your mucus plug coming away at all? It may be best to ring your maternity unit and explain your situation and say you'd like to come in to be examined!

Best of luck with your impending arrival and I hope the birth goes smoothly for you and LO!

Oh sorry should have said, 37 weeks.
Haven't noticed any mucus plug but also didn't with my first. Although (tmi) I'm not sure if I'm leaking fluid as I feel wetter but it's hard to tell when I wipe whether it's fluid or urine.
I think I'll ring and speak to them :)
Thank you

My mucus plug had been coming out over the course of a week and I woke up at 3am, something woke me up which I now think was a contraction and my music plug was bloody. Cue a nervous call to the labour line. Was reassured and said I think I've had a contraction but couldn't be sure as my sleep state is crazy (I sleep talk and sleep walk!). As it turns out it was a contraction and they slowly got more painful and unbearable and then that was it....48 hours later, 2 epidurals (1 failed) and an emergency c section I become a mum!

In my case I asked the same as you, would I know? For me, yes I did! The best of luck to you!

If you're leaking fluid then your waters may have broken. Mine broke in a similar way at 39 weeks and I was induced the following day. I'd call the labour ward if I were you.

I've had no more fluid but had lots of pains yesterday and couldn't walk right. But they seem to have worn off today so I'm not sure whether I should go to the hospital or not. I'm absolutely shattered though! And there seems to be a lot of pressure on my cervix. It'd be nice if someone sent you a text when you were going into labour "hey, this is early labour, here's what you need to do" lol