How do I know if I'm in labour?

[PurpleEllie]

Daft question I know, but I'm scheduled for a c section in 2 weeks and I've been having period like cramps for the last few hours. The midwife says it will be good for baby if I have a few hours of early labour first, but I have no idea of what early labour should feel like? What if by the time it's definitely labour, it's too late for an elective section and it becomes an emergency? The period like cramps have been fairly consistent with sharper pains every 10 minutes. Is that normal for 38 weeks?

You ring the labour ward number on your handheld notes, tell them and see what they say. You will have a far more reasoned response from the midwives than strangers on the internet.

I know I can do that, but I don't want to bother them if it's just normal braxton hicks like contractions.

You will know when you're in labour trust me.

@PurpleEllie hi! From my understanding it can be different for everyone. I had period like cramps for a couple of weeks before labour but my friend had them on the morning and then gave birth at tea time that night. I recommend you speak to midwife just to put your mind at ease- even if it is Braxton hicks they are there to help and reassure you. Is it a maternal request c section or medical reason? Only asking as if it's medical reason they will want to make sure for definite to try and avoid an emergency c section where possible. Xxxx

I would get muscular tightenings for weeks beforehand, and kept thinking it was labour. I was induced with my first so it was only after a few hours of feeling worsening dull stomach cramp/pain that I realised this was actually labour. It is probably exactly like period cramps but I don’t get those to compare.

I'd definitely call and get checked out as they'll be able to tell you if the tightenings are actually doing anything, especially given they're regular. It sounds to me like it could be early labour so they may be bringing your c section forward x

You’re not bothering them! Please call.

Call them. It isn't true you'll just 'know'.

Any update? I’m having a section too and the idea of going into labour first terrifies me!

Ignore the people saying you’ll know. I didn’t.
Just call your midwife. A emergency and an elective are the same procedure just different circumstances. There are 4 categories of section- i had a Cat 2, 4 days before my elective and did labour for a few hours earlier. It happens all the time.