Am I in labour????

[AmIOrNo5]

I had my 3rd sweep this morning. 39+3.

Been having strong tightenings that are quite painful, every 15 ish mins.

How do I know they aren't Braxton hicks? They've been fairly consistent time wise since about 10am.

I'm so worried they'll just stop all of a sudden!

Time them! If they get longer and closer together they are most likely real contractions, if they are sporadic and vary in length they're probably Braxton-Hicks

I was told the best way to tell is to change positions OP, lay down, turn over have a bath, etc Braxton Hicks often stop, contractions just keep on going and get closer and stronger... Good luck!
Highly recommended a pool if you get the chance...

Thank you for replying @Mommabear20

How quickly do they tend to get longer?? I was induced with my first baby so I have no clue

Thank you @Mysa74 !! They aren't going away at the moment, I've been trying to move around so put some washing out etc, sat on my birthing ball for a while and now I've given in and am lying on the bed for a 10 mins. Still getting them but they are definitely more severe when I stand!

I hope this is it!

@AmIOrNo5 I was induced with my baby too so don't know for natural ones. Try calling your midwife or labour ward?

I had (painful!) Braxton Hicks for weeks before my daughter was born. I knew immediately when I had a real one. The intensity just ramped up.
I quickly went from one every 15 mins to every 5 mins and then they zoomed closer together. No idea how long they were though, didn’t time them.

@ButterflyBitch I've been having BH on and off for a few weeks but they seem to have really ramped up today!! Still 15 mins apart roughly so I guess I could be a while!

I was in labour! Baby arrived at 3am

Congratulations @AmIOrNo5 I hope you and baby are well and you recover quickly.

Enjoy those newborn cuddles 💕

Congratulations.

What a lovely update! Congratulations!

Yay!! That's one less thing to worry about, lol! Congratulations

Aww congratulations 🥳