Are these the start of contractions?

[PhoebeBear]

First time mum here 49+1 and not sure what to expect. 3cm at midwife sweep appointment, says my waters are bulging and ready to break but babies head is at a funny position (she thinks he's back to back)
Lost my mucus plug and had an episode last night of blood (bloody show?) now I have mild back ache and Braxton hicks. I've recently started getting a very faint cramp in abdomen, definitely nothing painful or to make me think ow! Could this be the beginning of contractions? It comes about every 10 mins but only lasts 10 seconds then fades away. Confused!

40+1 I was meant to say (obviously) 😂

Probably. I lost my plug overnight on 36+5 then spent the day of 36+6 having mild period pains which I assumed was my body getting ready to give birth in a few weeks as I'd been having them for a few days on and off, but this is only with hindsight as at the time I had no idea it was anything other than normal "I'm pregnant" stuff as it was so mild meaning I didn't think I was in labour so only count my labour as being from when I knew it was the real deal. I went into full labour late that evening and gave birth a few hours later in the early hours of 37+0. That said I was very quick and you could be in this early stage for days or weeks as until your waters break there's not usually a need to get the baby out. I obviously didn't have a sweep at my 36 week appointment which was the same day as my plug went but she said I wasn't engaged at all but then I also had a scan that day where they said the baby's head was very low, so I don't know. Good luck!!

Maybe!! For me It was the regularity of real contractions that stood out from the practice ones I'd had for several weeks at the end. Good luck!

Sounds like it ! Those cramps are probably contractions. Keep track of them , how many minutes from the beginning of one until the beginning of the next one, and how long they last for. The cramps will get stronger as time goes on. Best wishes !

Sounds like it OP! How are you doing now?
Wishing you all the best!

Hi everyone! Wow I didn't expect so many replies over night. Well... these pains have definitely upped their game! I get the back ache that comes then it's like in my front , still not enough to really say 'painful' but definitely enough to noticed and sway side to side when it happens. I've tried to use the contraction app so keep an eye out, they seem to last about 30 seconds but come every 10 minutes still..
Compared to yesterday there's definitely more pattern to them as they're much more noticeable.
Please say this is the beginning of labour ! 🤞🏽🤞🏽

Good luck!

Ooh how exciting. How are you now OP?

Definitely sounds like it! Good luck

Good luck OP! 😊

Hi everyone! Looks like it was the real thing, currently got an epidural and tried the birthing pool and gas and air. Getting checked soon to see if I've dilated further, can't wait to meet him! Xxx

Wonderful. Hopefully you're enjoying snuggly baby cuddles by now.

Hope you're snuggling your new baby right now OP! Wishing you all well

Met this little fellow on the 10th August 🥰
Labour and delivery was unfortunately not a nice experience- 24 hours since start to finish which ended in forceps and losing 3 litres of blood and needing a transfusion 😣 but he's here now!
It's true what they say, there's not like the feeling when you see your baby for the first time x

Oh what a cutie! Sounds like you had a really tough time. Remember to ask for a debrief if you want it and look after yourself too. Congratulations

Congrats @PhoebeBear!!
What a cutie!

Sorry to hear that your experience wasn't as you had imagined. @Bobbiepin is right, get a debrief if you want, it may be really helpful.

Congratulations! Well done - sounds like you had a long tough labour! Glad you got an epidural - mine was a life saver!! Hope you recover quickly and enjoy snuggles.

What a beautiful baby!

Wow he is gorgeous

Thank you everyone! Almost 1 week old already and even more in love with him each day ❤️

What a beauty! Congratulations

Aw he's beautiful, congratulations op 🙂