This isn’t early labour is it?

[sugarnotsweetener]

I’m 36 weeks and hopefully you’re all going to tell me this isnt a sign that things are happening.

I have 1 DD who was born by planned section so I don’t have anything to compare this to in terms of a naturally progressive labour and I don’t feel like any of this happed last time.

I’ve got loads of rectal pressure like I need a poo all the time, it’s there first thing in the morning. I’ve got cramps in my thighs like I would have when I’m on my period and a pain in my groin (I have spd but this isn’t spd it feels like a pulled muscle) and I have some mild sort of period type pains.
My Braxton Hicks are now painful but the pain is in my lower tummy only and they aren’t anymore regular than before.
The baby is big (they said she was approx 5.5lb at my 32w growth scan) so maybe it’s just the sheer size of her pressing against everything? My daughter was big at 8.15 and a half and I didn’t feel any of this with her.

I’m worried she’s not going to hold on long in there, I have another growth scan on Friday so maybe they’ll reassure me but does the above just sound normal for this gestation or does it sound like something more?

Op how are you feeling now? Also 36 weeks and panicked yesterday cause I had worse Braxton hicks than usual. All fine today though

Is there someone medically you can speak to? It's best not to leave to chance I would contact midwife or whoever you mainly see during your pregnancy

Thanks ladies I have my midwife appointment tomorrow so I’ll definitely mention it to her. I feel ok really apart from the achey crampy thighs and the groin ache on one side which are still constant - the pressure in my bottom isn’t as bad as this morning so maybe she’s moved over a bit 🤷🏻‍♀️

It sounds like maybe baby has engaged and that's the pressure?

I remember the last trimester wondering what was Brixton hicks and what could be labour! For me labour was definitive because it was in identifiable waves and regular. Obviously not the same for all but that's usually the best indicator.

Hope your midwife can give you some better advice!

@beccii161016 the scan shows you’re right she is fully engaged! She’s so low into my pelvis that they can’t actually take a head measurement.

The consultant is confident that she’s not going to hold on until my ELCS date as I have lots of fluid, he thinks I’ll go into spontaneous labour before then which has worried me but there’s nothing I can do is there so just need to wait it out and see what happens. He’s told me if I feel any changes at all that make me think she’s on her way ring my husband (because he’s currently working 2 hours away!) and then ring the labour ward and go in and they’ll do it as an EMCS if my waters go or if I’m showing signs of labour.

And on that note I’ve remembered I’ve still not packed my bloody hospital bag 😂

Haha good luck!! I didn't know until after birth but I had a lot of fluid and my first sin of labour was my waters going with a gush! Apparently it happens that way a lot with excess fluid but everyone is aware and expecting a surprise haha so I'm sure you'll be in good hands when baby decides to make an arrival!