Is labour on it's way?

[Bibiboo]

I am only 35+3 but for the last few days have been having A LOT of pelvic discomfort and pressure, especially when I stand up and walk about - it's really, really hurting! I've had nothing else apart from a few Braxton Hicks and a bit more discharge than normal, but no show or anything. I do feel like I am ready though, like I can't grow anymore and the baby is well down. Also, I've been having those niggly, something is wrong dreams and disturbed nights ...
Am I a mad first-timer waiting for this baby to come or does this all mean something?

TIA

So hard to tell I think. I also had a lot of pelvic discomfort and pressure and strong braxton hicks etc. at probably a similar time to you (I'm 38 weeks now) and wondered if things were getting ready. This is my second pregnancy and I'm particularly huge - some people have remarked that surely I won't go full term! However, I'm still here. Had bad period like pains and lower backache and strong braxton hicks in the night last week too and last night some excruciating pains low down, which I have had a few times before (midwife suggested due to baby going in and out of pelvis as sometime engaged and sometimes not - normal in a second pregnancy I think).

I do think these things are a sign of something happening, your body preparing itself, but can happen quite a long time in advance sometimes. If your pains are particularly on walking around then it could be spd (although think that usually starts much earlier if you're going to get it)?

Good luck anyway and I'm sure other people will perhaps have more pertinent advice, as I'm only speaking from my own experience.

hmm it's hard to say - sounds like something is happening, but your body can take a fair while preparing itself for labour. i wouldn't worry too much about the show tho - i didn't get one till i was in established labour. best get that hospital packed tho, just in case!

Sadly, I fear you have just entered the Insane Last Few Weeks, where every twinge is greeted with loud cries of This Is It!

I tend to agree with MI. I had terrible sciatica in the last three weeks of my first pregnancy, like everything was barging into everything else, and hurting like f*. huge sympathies. have you anything to distract yourself with? go to the cinema on your own and get two large dollops of ice cream (my favourites: blackcurrant and belgian chocolate..together) and get a pedicure. these things will not be possible in just a few weeks' time...

Oh poo
I was hoping you would all send me straight to hospital and tell me it'd all be over in a few hours time.
I have another 7 days in work yet, so maybe it was wishful thinking on my part, eh?
Thanks guys

bibiboo, just hang on in there girl. i worked till 38 weeks both times. at under 36 weeks, the baby really is better off inside for a bit longer. i hope you are on light duties

I am on VERY light duties - i.e. my replacement is here to learn my job and is doing EVERYTHING so I am just sat in an uncomfortable chair all day. If I didn't have meetings next week i'd finish early.

Bibi I really feel for you. I can't imagine still trying to work. I have constant aches and pains and feel exhausted.

I think the pain you feel when you stand up is the db's head pressing down on you pelvic floor. When will you next see your midwife?

Make sure you take it as easy as possible. It will be over soon lol

bibiboo, try a rolled up towel in the small of your back against your chair.

Bibi - I'm getting some very sharp pains down the top insides of my legs, usually when I am standing (but not necessarily). I asked the doc and she said it was to do with the cervix beginning to soften. Not sure if that is the case or not. Also read that it could be Bean's head pressing on a nerve. Still bloody hurts either way!!

btw, the person doing my mat. cover has already started changing things that I did. Do I feel threatened? No! (stomps off to iron another baby gro and convince myself I am doing something deeply wonderful and don't care what she does blah blah blah...)

But Beansprout, you are about to embark on the Greatest Adventure Of Them All (ducks and runs back to, ahem, work)

Anyone want to join me in writing a TRUE PREGNANCY info book? none of this pretty pictures of serene women and their lovely smooth bellies - more like pained women who look frankly rather exhausted ...

bibiboo, have you seen the mumsnet one?
it's written by US!

Beansprout ironing babygrows!? Did you listen to nothing I said on Monday!! For a realistic guide to pregnancy I recomend 'The best friends guide to pregnancy' very American but amusing there are ones for the first year of motherhood and toddlers too

Bibiboo, believe me you will know when labour starts!

Sorry geogteach, twas an urge I cannot explain

BF's guide is fab. Did read the pg one and am currently reading the 1st yr of motherhood one., on the basis that I won;t have time during the first year of motherhood!!

I didn't know when my first labour started, actually. I'd had painful BH all through my pregnancy but all the books say 'labour contractions are totally different from BH' so DP and I sat there ponderously trying to work out if they were any different, and as they weren't we decided this couldn't be labour. Then the contractions got stronger - but exactly the same in 'type' IYSWIM and I concluded that in fact this was IT.

Second labour, admittedly, started with an undeniable whoosh of amniotic fluid all over my feet.

motherinferior - all over your tiny feet? have you got those boots yet???

Oh no, Bundle, I haven't got them yet, I'm still slavering!

I was always in doubt if I was having BH's or not.

I had no aches or pains or any indication labour was due to start was sitting on the sofa and thought I had wet myself. Was still in denial when the pain kicked in, there is no mistaking it, sorry.

Well, I'm still here, still very much pregnant and the pressure/discomfort low down seems to have subsided. In fact, I think this baby's here for the long haul. Oh, and as for the "I can't grow anymoer" comment I made ... I was wrong.

Less than 3 weeks till my due date, today is my first day of maternity leave and I'm already cross. I hated being in work, but being at home has made me even more bad tempered - had to clean the kitchen in stages today, taking break in between to lie down and rest my back. Very annoyed with self for being so pathetic and un-strong.

I really hate the 'Best friend's guide..." book, could go into details..
Sounds like baby's head has engaged, Bibiboo. A good sign. Hope you find ways to stay comfortable.

Bibi - please don't give yourself a hard time for needing to rest at the moment. I used to run round my local park and now I can't even waddle up to it without feeling exhausted. It's exactly how things are supposed to be for us at the moment. Dr Bean orders some TV, some light reading, seeing friends etc etc - we'll both have our work cut out for us soon enough!

Bibiboo, on my last day as pre mother I completed the nursery changing table, started and completed the nursery wardrobe, glossed the windowsill, tidied the kitchen, tidied the living room and took delivery of the new washing machine. As my waters broke later that evening I watched DP wrestle with the washing machine as he had failed to take out the travelling bolts.

For the love of Mumsnet please rest as much as you can! I regret not playing my PS2 games and lounging without dignity on the sofa . . .

And take your phone off the hook if you end up being overdue