Contractions worse when standing/walking

[Lizbiz89]

I'm 40+3 weeks pregnant and believe I'm in early labour. I started getting contractions this morning when I woke and have been getting them all day inconsistently. However when I get up and walk about they seem to become a lot more regular/painful. Has anyone else experienced this in labour? Trying to work out when to ring the birth unit. So far contractions very from 4 - 10 minutes apart and my waters haven't broken.

A classic sign of early or even false labour (could be stop-start for awhile) is the contractions varying in length and frequency depending on your position. If it is active labour they will generally continue to be strong and regular regardless of what you're doing. In early labour it's important to conserve your energy so I'd get off your feet and rest!

@PhoenixBuchanan they do vary depending on what position I'm in. I've also lost my mucus plug today (sorry tmi) and I'm experiencing serious pressure when going to the toilet. Think I could be just in very early labour. I'll take you're advice and rest until it gets worse.

The thing is, that you actually want them to get stronger and more regular so keeping moving and keeping on your feet is not necessarily a bad thing.

Good luck!

@PotteringAlong thank you. I've been walking around gently to keep things going as well. Trying to work out a balance between resting and keeping active. Contractions averaging 7 minutes apart now even while sitting down.

Good luck!

Good luck - wish I could join you. Only 39 weeks but desperate to get going now. Keep us posted

Our beautiful baby boy was born last night at 8.56. Obviously my contractions were a lot more close together than I thought as I barely got into the pool before I started pushing. If I'd left it any later to go in I would have had him in the car! Thanks for all of the replies.

congratulations.

That's lovely, congratulations!