How do you know when your in 'real' labour?

[Tinks15]

So I'm 38+5 with DD2 & last night I felt what I thought was the start of everything kicking off, pains started at 10pm & couldn't sleep until 3am (I then must of drifted off to sleep & woke up to nothing) I was having what I call 'period cramping' with them coming every 4-5 minutes occasionally 6 mins then lasting about 35-45 seconds. I didn't feel the need to call the labour ward at this point as they were managable, I was told by my midwife last week to call when contractions were every 3-4 minutes lasting about 45 seconds.
So my question is how do I know when to 'call' or when you know your in actual 'labour'?

I didn't go into labour naturally with DD1 I was induced so I'm not really sure what to expect??

Hi @Pereie

I still have my big tummy nothing has happened.

Its been so hot hasnt it! So glad it's cooled right down today! Currently 22c here compared to the 34c it was yesterday it's been lovely.

Oh goodness how far along are you?

I shouldn't really complain too much @Tinks15 - I'm 38+6 so not even hit my due date yet. Just getting impatient and fed up with the elephant feet!

Are you overdue now?

I realised I was in labour with DD2 when contractions were regularly 3-5 mins apart. I rung the maternity unit about 3pm and had her around 9pm.
With DD1 I finally realised when my waters broke 😂 Gave birth 4.5 hours later.

@Pereie i'm due Tuesday but I'm being very impatient, the heat really hasn't helped this time round & running around after DD1 with my big bump really takes it out of me.

I've had an active day today though walked round all the shops. Was quite funny I was getting lots of looks as if to say 'are you sure you should be out' .
Hopefully the walking has done me some good, I will also be getting my ball out later & doing some bouncing.

@Beetlebum you had quite quick labours then. Hoping for a fairly quick labour this time round.

Keeping active is good Tinks15, it might even start tonight, it won’t be long now, before you meet your beautiful new daughter. Try to relax and perhaps drink some raspberry leaf tea it might help move things along. Good luck ☘️

I read so many posts on the internet about this, and got so cross when people just said "trust me, you'll know". But I'm afraid I'm going to say the same. Trust me, you will absolutely know!! The pain will be very real and will get worse instead of going away. If you're not sure, it's probably not happening.

Good luck!

I wasn't entirely sure I was in labour with my second dc. It started like really strong braxton hicks. But then I realised they seemed fairly regular- they were every 3 mins. I called the hospital and they told me to head over. Labour was 90 mins

Thanks @Yogagirl - so excited to meet her now. I will have to get some raspberry leaf tea ive read about it before but had forgotten about it until you mentioned it.

@sar & @outnumb3red thanks .

Due date tomorrow, nothing has happened. Bit of a pointless post but ive just come on to say I've got the major hump today feeling very grumpy. Come on little girl!

Oh drat! Tinks15, I thought your post would be your exciting news!

Keep busy, I know it’s awful when you are waiting, not too mention uncomfortable!

Good luck ☘️

Try not to stress over it @Tinks15

She'll come when she is good and ready. Enjoy your last few days of sleep and quiet etc etc and all the other stuff people say when they aren't actually waiting for their baby to pop 😂

Keep us updated x

Hi all!

Guess what?! I've gone & had her . She arrived into the world yesterday afternoon at 4.20 weighing 8lb. She is bloody gorgeous.
Very quick & intense labour, plug & waters went yesterday morning after I insisted a sweep at midwife appt Thursday. Things kicked off at 1pm & managed on gas & air only but I didn't have much choice really it all happened so quick. We are home & settling in nicely .

Oh wonderful news Tinks, so pleased for you all. Enjoy! xx❤️🍾🎂

Aww congratulations @Tinks15 💗 how close to your due date were you in the end?

I'm still here bouncing on my ball and watching every twitch!