Tightenings...hand hold/advice needed

[Willow4987]

So a bit of background...DS1 was back to back so in labour all contractions were in my back/lower belly. I also never experienced Brixton hicks

I’m 37 + 2 today and have been monitored for reduced feral movement (everything’s fine)

The midwife mentioned I’m having regular tightening, which I can feel but thought it was the baby moving. I’ve never experienced it before so didn’t realise what it was

She said that as im not in ‘pain’ they won’t worry about it too much but if it gets worse to go in ASAP as I’ve got a c section booked

So I’m now really worried that I’m starting labour and not aware of it so might leave it too late to get to hospital. I’m really concerned about it all happening and not getting the c section because I’ve left it too late...

Does tightenings always mean labours starting or could it just be Braxton hicks?

I’m seeing my normal midwife tomorrow, but she’s not particularly great and has basically told me to have a look on google before so I’m not holding out much hope for her

Fetal not feral...

I’m not an authority but wanted to comment as your reduced feral movements made me giggle.

My first delivery was like yours (back to back). Second felt very similar to my first to me - I def knew when contractions started. I’m sure you’ll be ok. Loads of women get braxton hicks and they go. I think “tightenings” are the same / similar thing ?

Not that it matters but is there a medical reason for the section (ie serious consequences if you don’t get one) ? I only ask because if so I’d go in if I was at all worried, particularly as you’re over 37 weeks.

I’ve assumed it’s the same as braxton hicks but it was the midwife saying that if the pains worse then it could be affecting my cervix so labour could be happening that made me think maybe it’s something more?

It’s because of how traumatic DS1 labour was, which has left me with some serious pelvic floor issues so consultant and physio have recommended section to avoid permanent life long and worse damage than there already is

I’d get in then if I was at all worried. When’s the section booked for ?

14th feb so about a week and a half now. I could just do with baby staying in until closer to then. Although he’ll come when he’s ready I suppose!

I went in at 37 weeks with reduced moments, they also picked up strong tightenings on the monitor and they decided to do a sweep, at which point they found that I was 1cm dilated and could stretch to 2cm. Midwife was absolutely sure the baby would be here by that weekend, but labour didn't start until 40+5, had the tightenings on and off until then

Ah that’s reassuring!!! Hopefully it means he might stay out for a little while longer

Put not out. Stupid phone autocorrect