How did you know you were in labour/ what were you doing beforehand

[Mummy2beAT]

Hhi everyone I know people say once your in labour you know. I was just wondering how labour started for you, what were you doing and how far along were you. I'm 37 weeks today and have been having period pains this morning . I've had them a couple of weeks ago but they eased off

With my DD it started with period pains and the feeling if trapped wind. I kept trying to fart but it never relieved The period pain started getting more intense so I made myself a healthy dinner and took myself off to bed for an early night as I suspected it would be my last rest for a while. Laboured all the next day at home - was manageable. Went into hospital about 10pm and daughter was born at 5am. The contractions in hospital were really painful and I wasn't sure how much longer I could cope without an epidural. My mucus plug and waters came out very later, not long before I actually started pushing.

With DD1, I was having sex at 39 weeks when my waters broke!
That was meant to be our last romantic weekend alone together before the baby arrived, but DD decided to gate crash it.

With DD2 I was ill with norovirus, vomiting and running to the loo all day. I had awful abdominal pain with the diarrhoea, and stomach cramp from the repeated vomiting, so it was a while before I realised the pains had started coming at exactly three minute intervals.... that was the night before a Christmas Eve, many years ago, and DD2 arrived at quarter to midnight.

@Bree88 I didn't have time for an epidural for DS. It was so quick (1hr 15mins) with gas &air which took the edge off.
My first Labour was epidural and I didn't feel a thing but I was in labour for 2 days.
If I had to do it again I'd go for gas and air over an epidural any day. I was showered and dressed,desperate to go home after an hour!
You'll be fine 😊

Loving these quick birth stories. I'm 38 weeks pregnant tomorrow and praying for a 1hr 15min labour! 😆

I was 40+4 and had some cramps but thought it was probably just due to the sweep I had the day before as they were very irregular and not getting stronger. I used them to practice my breathing but didn't really need to and my FIL was staying with us so when he was around I stopped the breathing as I didn't want him to realise! The biggest clue that stuff was really happening should have been that I couldn't sit in the car when DH drove down a bumpy road to get to the restaurant we were having lunch at (I refused to get in the car for the return and walked down the road instead and he picked me up at the end 😂).

My cramps never picked up and we went out to a party. I was joking that I shouldn't sit on any of the sofas because my waters might break. And then they did! Just as we were about to sit down for dinner. Luckily they didn't gush everywhere and I got to the bathroom then managed to waddle back to my DH and tell him we needed to leave without dripping too much. Within 15 minutes of my waters breaking I had my first proper contraction that I needed to breathe through. Contractions were then strong and regular straight away so we went to the hospital (also my waters had meconium and I was worried). I was 6-7cm on admission and baby was born 5 hours after contractions started. I was very surprised as I'd always read that first time labours are quite slow.

And I'd second whoever said that they heard "TV style" births were a myth then were surprised by their own birth! Apart from my waters trickling rather than gushing it was just like I've seen on TV - waters break in social situation, strong contractions start immediately and baby born very quickly! You can never guess what your labour will be like or when it will happen but try to enjoy it!

Playing with my three year old. Labour pains don't stop in my experience they get worse and more intense. I had my baby yesterday 🥰 and was having pains Friday but with a lie down they disappeared. Yesterday morning they just kept coming whatever I was doing ..good luck xx

It's really good reading these stories!

I'm 22 weeks tomorrow and so so excited for my first baby to arrive! I think at the moment it is more excitement than nervous.... maybe when the pain of labour kicks in that will change! For now though not too worried at all!

For those whose waters broke in bed, did you use any bed mats/ protective mattress covers?
We got a new bed 6 months ago so want to do the best we can to protect ruining it!

I woke up to period pains and lay in bed timing them, they had some regularity, then got up to go for a pee, got back into bed and my waters started going. Everything kicked off around an hour and a half later, proper contractions.

I was ten days overdue and waiting at hospital for my second sweep about noon. While I sat there I felt a very mild tingle in my lower abdomen and thought, "ooh, I wonder if that's anything?" Had the sweep and she said I was 3cm dilated so could expect things to get moving soon. They did.

@Smiffette I am the same! We literally got a new mattress the other day that cost like £350 and I am terrified of ruining it lol. So I am sleeping on a towel now that I am 37 weeks! Hopefully that will cut it...?

@yelyahyoung fingers crossed!!
I've seen in Dunelm I think it was, waterproof mattress protectors that are a towelling type material. I was thinking about getting one of those in a couple of months then doubling up with some of the maternity pads I've seen in boots!

22 weeks

@Smiffette you’re brave, I would not wanna be wearing maternity pads if I didn’t need to lol there will be enough of that after the birth🤣

@yelyahyoung no not wearing the pads, you can by pads/mats to lay on your bed to absorb any waters if they break!
I'm staying clear of those big maternity pads as long as possible 😂

Sorry if TMI but I had diarrhoea approx 8pm. Didn't think anything of it. Went to bed and woke up with cramps at 2am, started timing them and realised they were contractions which got more intense and closer together. Didn't have a show, my waters didn't break. Woke other half at 10am, was at hospital and 8 1/2 cm.

Good luck OP hope all goes well for you when the time comes!