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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

41 weeks - back pain/strong cramps but no contractions?

33 replies

Knittingteapot · 04/09/2018 00:08

Hi, as it says in the title really. I'm 41 weeks pregnant with DC3 I've been having back ache all evening and period like cramps but no contractions. Feels worse when I walk around, but not too bad when I'm lying down or on the birthing ball. I was horrendously sick this afternoon and not long had loose bowels. Not even sure why I'm posting really... Distraction technique?! Wishful thinking that this is finally it?!

You'd think I'd be able to tell this is early labour or not as it's my 3rd, but I don't remember getting backache like this before.

Anyone else start off like this?

OP posts:
HollowTalk · 04/09/2018 00:10

This is it!!!!! Best of luck.

Original poster
Knittingteapot · 04/09/2018 00:11

@HollowTalk I really, really hope so but it feels like the longest pregnancy ever!

OP posts:
HollowTalk · 04/09/2018 00:15

I would imagine a third labour might not be the same as the other two you had. Is your bag packed? How far are you from hospital?

Dontletthebastardsgrindyoudown · 04/09/2018 00:16

Good luck Op Smile

AornisHades · 04/09/2018 00:21

I remember my friend mentioning back ache with her 3rd on thr school run. Baby appeared within the school day.

Original poster
Knittingteapot · 04/09/2018 00:21

Bags are packed and in the car, hospital is about 20-30 minutes away depending on the traffic. I usually have a slow buildup and a quick ending! I just can't tell if anything really is happening. As soon as I lie down, it feels alright again.

OP posts:
NoTeaNoShadeNoPinkLemonade · 04/09/2018 00:40

Sounds like my labor with my third....felt like a cross between period pains and trapped wind. I couldn't stop going to the loo either sorry if tmi! I was 40+2 and thought I would have lots more time as pain wasn't as bad as with last two.
Went to the hospital after a few hours of this (against midwives advice) to be examined and told I was already 7cm dilated.

chasinggarlic · 04/09/2018 00:47

I felt all my labours in my back. Never once felt it across the tummy

chasinggarlic · 04/09/2018 00:47

Good luck

Original poster
Knittingteapot · 04/09/2018 00:47

Love your nickname @NoTeaNoShame!

The baby's had has definitely been much lower the last few days. It felt earlier that if I flexed the muscles needs for a poo, then it was moving the head! Only when standing up though.

Been lying down again as it all seems to have stopped. I don't know whether I should walk around or not to see if things get going. Could also do with getting some sleep if it's going to be a while yet.

OP posts:
Isadora2007 · 04/09/2018 00:48

Could baby be back to back?

Isadora2007 · 04/09/2018 00:49

And I would sleep. If it’s the real deal it will waken you up. If it isn’t, then I bet it’s not far off so sleep while you can.
Hopefully you will be holding your baby soon enough either way.

Jenijena · 04/09/2018 01:00

In a similar position two years ago I went to sleep with a TENS machine and slept in 10 minute bursts. A stiff walk in the morning got things going and baby was born the next day. I’ve had two back to back babies and contractions present as back pain. Good luck!

SmartestGiant · 04/09/2018 01:05

I have never felt a contraction in my stomach. Two back to back labours and felt everything in my back. It sounds like you are in labour OP. Good luck!

FoldyRoll · 04/09/2018 01:11

Sounds like back to back labour to me too.

Original poster
Knittingteapot · 04/09/2018 07:18

Well that all came to nothing! Everything calmed down again and feel fine this morning. No backache, cramps or anything. I'm being induced on Saturday so I'm just telling myself that's when I'll be having the baby - then anything earlier is a bonus. What a disappointment though; I was starting to think things were kicking off!

OP posts:
sandgrown · 04/09/2018 07:24

Fwiw I had a similar experience with my second DC. I had backache and cramps for a few hours then they stopped. My DD was born 6 hours later after a labour lasting just over an hour! Good luck OP hope baby is here soon.

HollowTalk · 04/09/2018 10:42

Oh no, I thought you'd be back to say you'd had a baby! Best of luck and I hope you give birth before Saturday - seems a long way off!

Original poster
Knittingteapot · 04/09/2018 11:38

Nope, still no baby! Had a good cry this morning then a waddle round Aldi to do the shop. Saturday does seem a very, very long way away at the moment!

I don't think the baby is back to back, it's certainly not been mentioned at any appts or scans (had quite a few growth scans for ginormous baby). Pretty sure I can feel a very large bottom poking out most of the time!

OP posts:
HollowTalk · 04/09/2018 13:35

I think I would do something to tempt fate - could you go to town and test sofas? You know damn well your waters will break then!

Original poster
Knittingteapot · 04/09/2018 17:45

@HollowTalk I'm tempted to give it a try! Been really sick again this evening. I'm hoping it's all good signs and telling myself only 3 more days til induction...

OP posts:
HollowTalk · 04/09/2018 18:01

I bet you'll go right up to the wire and then give birth naturally!

Original poster
Knittingteapot · 06/09/2018 19:47

Had a show today and backache this evening after a big walk. Fingers crossed it's not going to be much longer.

OP posts:
AornisHades · 07/09/2018 00:15

Hope you're labouring now!

Original poster
Knittingteapot · 07/09/2018 17:57

Still not in labour! But I am being induced in the morning. The baby feels very, very low down and is wriggling round lots so I'm hoping that the induction will be successful. Now, do I get a curry tonight or not, or is there no point now?!

OP posts: