Early stages of labour ?

[xxpinkflowers]

I’m 36 weeks and for the past week or two I’ve had increased discharge (tmi some quite mucusy/pale yellow), pressure down below, back ache, Braxton Hicks a lot. I’ve also been nesting.

However today I’ve felt exhausted, incredibly thirsty, I’ve had about 4 “contractions” in the past 2 hours - they were like a tightening in my back which spread to the front, I’ve had looser bowels, and feel light headed. My gut feeling is that she’s coming early, but I just don’t know because this is my first baby so I don’t eeally know what to expect. I’m in the bath at the minute so going to see how I feel later on then decide whether I need to ring the midwife. Has anyone else felt like this before labour or could offer some experience?

@BrandNewHouse thank you!! I just hope it doesn’t come on too fast. I’m so scared

Don't worry! 4 contractions in 2 hours is very early labour in my experience. This could go on for a while! Do what you need to do: rest, eat or whatever. When contractions get closer together (3 in 10 mins I think is the guideline?) then it's time to go in. It wouldn't hurt to ring for advice though. Good luck!

And by "a while", I mean it could be hours, days or even a week! I had three days of this before I was finally in active labour with my first. It was very disheartening but I got there in the end. Take care!