Is this it - or am I just getting ill?

[JBCG]

I'm 36+2 with my first .. so not quite sure what to expect! But I'm not sure whether this is the beginning of labour or whether I've just picked up one of the bugs going around at the moment! I have also become seemingly one of the most impatient people in the world so might just be psychologically convincing myself that I'm going into labour when I'm not .. so I'm hoping that those of you with a bit more childbirth experience than me can help!

I have had a persistent headache for about 2 days that does not go away with paracetamol. Tonight I have been unable to sleep at all (which is rare as I'm usually asleep by 9pm latest) due to sudden onset of nausea. I have felt like I needed to go to the toilet (sorry tmi) several times this evening to no real avail and about 3 times in the last half an hour my whole stomach has just completely tightened. The tightening haven't been painful but it's like my whole stomach just goes hard for about 30 seconds and then releases. Finally my lower back is sore .. but it has been all pregnancy so I don't know if this is even related.

Lots of baby movement in the last few hours and at my midwife appointment yesterday they said that the baby was in position and partially engaged.

Does it sound like it could be the beginnings of labour? Or is it more likely I'm just not very well?

Thank you in advance for any advice!!

Congratulations on your pregnancy!! I'd ring your maternity unit and ask their advise to be on the safe side xxx

I agree with dancingheartbeat.

You may find everything has settled down by morning (Braxton Hicks). Do keep us up to date.

Thank you for your replies.

I don't want to waste their time if it's nothing .. I'm really scared I'm just being dramatic over nothing!

I think as I'm not in any real pain at all at the moment I will try and get some sleep and then call up if they become regular / painful.

Luckily I only live around 5 minutes drive from the hospital so can get there pretty quickly if required!

Thank you again - I will keep you posted! x

It could be early labour yes! I think I would give it a few more hours before calling though to see if the pains increase in pain and frequency- could you down load a contraction timer now in anticipation?

Sounds like Brixton hicks....however continue as normal ...if you’re worried call doctors to speak to midwife if during the day or your maternity unit at hospital if out of hours. You’ll know if labour starts believe me it more than just a tightening. Have a relaxing bath if you can....good prep if you need to go in. Good luck with the birth I’m sure you’ll be fine. I remember being in your situation ....it’s the not really knowing what to expect. My waters broke first with both mine so it was fairly obvious for me in the end.

Could be Braxton Hicks try sitting or laying down with your feet raised. But do call your midwife they are perfectly happy to speak to you they would rather you call than anything happen to you o your baby xx congratulations btw xxxx

OP I'm a midwife and if you have a headache that is persistent that doesn't go away with paracetamol, please call your unit. This is a symptom of pre eclampsia and should be checked out. Please don't wait until the morning.

The start of labour for me felt like very minor period pains and the sickness and headaches I usually get with AF

So it seems I managed to fall asleep and wasn't woken up with any stronger pains. The cramps are still there but still very very mild so I agree that it's Braxton Hicks. I still feel quite nauseous and still have a lot of pressure.

With regards to my headache, thank you @boredpanda84! I did have a midwife appointment on Friday morning and all was okay with my blood pressure and urine sample. Would it be possible to develop pre eclampsia that quickly (from one day to the next)? Sorry for my ignorance!

Your preterm so any inkling that you might be in labour needs to be checked out. Don’t mess around and wait with this.

Yes you can develop preeclampsia very quickly. I'd get checked.

@JBCG I would probably still recommend that you get your BP checked even though it was fine on Friday. Some people get pre eclampsia without getting raised blood pressure so you should also get some blood tests. I would at least call your unit and speak to them.

Okay, great - thank you. I'll give them a call now! x

Is everything okay op? Xx

Yes sorry! Meant to come back and update but was waiting to see if I had anything to come back with .. still a little bit in limbo unfortunately. I called up and they advised that they thought it sounded like Braxton Hicks but to call back if the tightening worsened or got any more regular (but they haven't). They weren't too concerned with my headache which has been quite intermittent today as all had been well with my blood pressure and urine. I am consultant led and have an appointment with him on Tuesday so if I'll mention it to him just in case.

Thank you all for your help and advice last night! x