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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Stop start labour

23 replies

Ineedacoffee21 · 03/02/2022 05:40

Currently now 40+5 with my second baby, had a sweep 40+3. Yesterday from around 5pm-10pm I had regular contractions around 50 seconds long 7-8 minutes apart. After that they just fizzled out?? Through the night I’ve managed to get a bit of sleep but woken by a random contraction around 4-5 times, now nothing?
Has anyone else had this happen?
Just concerned as I’m so tired and have a 2 year old on my own all day to look after and if this happens again until it’s looking more likely the real thing my partner won’t be able to leave work 😩
If anyone else experienced this how long did it go on for ?

OP posts:

Howtotameyourtoddler · 03/02/2022 05:52

This was almost exactly my experience with my second baby. My waters broke eventually and baby was born 12 hours later. It was all quite slow to progress even then - very stop/start until the last hour or so, which was fast and furious.

The waiting and discomfort are a nightmare, but you're on your way! Can you ask for another sweep to help things along?

sociallydistained · 03/02/2022 09:54

@Ineedacoffee21 I can be your buddy. No sweep for me yet but I am 41 weeks today and experienced start stop labour Tuesday night. Cramps steadily built into contractions over night. I didn't sleep but was glad something was happening and convinced it was it. All stopped around 4am and I got some sleep around 6ish. I was gutted. Yesterday nothing except two random mild contractions in the evening. I actually slept all night which is grateful for! Woke up to some cramping but now feel okay 🤨

It's a mental challenge isn't it?!

LG93 · 03/02/2022 10:04

Another in the same boat! Bit earlier than both of you -39+1 with dc2 but booked for induction at due date due to large baby. I've been having on/off contractions since Sunday with no intervention, had a sweep yesterday and was certain that was going to tip me into 'proper' labour but just the same on/off contractions. So fed up with them now just want this baby out!! Dc1 was induced at 37 weeks for complications so I didn't have any of this waiting around with her!!

RedRobyn2021 · 03/02/2022 10:10

This is totally normal, it's your body gearing up. I had this as well, it won't be long probably only days max.

Hummingbird80 · 03/02/2022 10:47

Also in the same boat! Think I lost my mucus plug last week. Have been having random backache and sometimes quite strong tightenings since then. The tightenings are painless but quite uncomfortable and come with downwards pressure. Last night they were coming quite regularly and I was hoping they might tip into proper labour. Back to just being random again this morning. Hopefully it's not too far away...

Hummingbird80 · 03/02/2022 10:48

Meant to say am 39+2 with DC2

Whattodonowadays · 03/02/2022 13:57

Same here, Tuesday night I had real contractions every 10 mins for 5 hours!! Really thought that it was happening, never had it before, this is my 4th baby and whenever contractions have started for me in previous pregnancies they have just got closer together and I’ve ended up with a baby! So frustrating. Nothing since only braxton hicks! Hope it happens for us all soon!

sociallydistained · 03/02/2022 15:26

@Hummingbird80

I love my mucus plug over Saturday and Sunday. I thought right in days away! Now I'm not so convinced!

Original poster

Ineedacoffee21 · 03/02/2022 16:01

Sorry so many of us are in the same boat 😩
I had around 3 hours again this morning then stopped and now I just have a random one now and the ! Managed to nap for a couple hours this afternoon thankfully then lost my mucus plug when I woke up! Just been for a long walk too, really hoping it helps!

OP posts:

sociallydistained · 03/02/2022 16:07

Fingers crossed for you @Ineedacoffee21 those are positive signs! Our bodies are doing what they should!

I keep getting messages asking when I'm being induced and I really want to avoid that so that doesn't help. I am happy to go to 42 weeks I just hope it happens before then.

Original poster

Ineedacoffee21 · 03/02/2022 16:19

@sociallydistained the thought of induction worries me too! Mine is booked for next Tuesday but I have one more sweep booked Sunday so I’m really hoping I won’t get to Tuesday 🤞🏼

OP posts:

sociallydistained · 03/02/2022 16:46

Hopefully not, you've got a fair bit of time although I know it feels endless and not enough at the same time!

Hummingbird80 · 04/02/2022 12:26

How are we all doing? I had a sweep this morning and am really hoping that helps get things moving

Whattodonowadays · 04/02/2022 13:15

Hope it starts labour off for you! My midwife won’t give me a sweep until I’m 41 weeks. I’m 39+5 now so still over a week for me. In my previous pregnancies the sweep has always worked for me. I had terrible back pain and pressure last night but nothing else now!

Original poster

Ineedacoffee21 · 04/02/2022 16:21

Good luck everyone I hope it happens for you soon!
I had my baby this morning 💙
Stop start labour again all yesterday evening, then woke in the night and contractions were just stronger and I couldn’t sleep through them so I knew it was the real thing!
Your bodies are gearing up and all these stop starts are putting your bodies in a better position for labour 🥰 hope it’s soon for you ladies!

OP posts:

Whattodonowadays · 04/02/2022 17:16

Ahh congratulations! Great news. Glad it finally happened for you. Hope the birth was ok. X

sociallydistained · 04/02/2022 20:21

@Ineedacoffee21 Congratulations and thanks so much for coming back and giving us hope! Silly really as we know it'll happen but you know what it's like when in the thick of it.
I hope your labour was okay after all you went through and enjoy your snuggles 🥰

RedRobyn2021 · 04/02/2022 20:55

@Ineedacoffee21

Congratulations!

Whattodonowadays · 04/02/2022 21:55

For about the last half hour I have had what feels like one big contraction! It’s not easing at all! My stomach is rock hard and the pain is going all around my back. Anyone else experienced this is labour? Not sure wether you can have contractions that don’t ease? Thanks.

sociallydistained · 05/02/2022 09:32

Any news @Whattodonowadays

Contractions and lots of back period pain from 3.30am. Still going but contractions have died off. Just had my bloody show so I am convinced something is happening. Have midwife this morning so she may shed some light!

Hummingbird80 · 05/02/2022 10:42

@Ineedacoffee21 congratulations! Hope the birth was good and you are enjoying the newborn snuggles

Hummingbird80 · 05/02/2022 10:43

@sociallydistained

Any news *@Whattodonowadays*

This sounds really positive! Good luck at midwife

Chellolouise · 05/02/2022 20:07

Hello, im currently 39+5 days. This is my first child and worried about how labour will start. Im currently experiencing low back pain, sharp crotch pain too when baby moves and keep getting tight braxton hicks I assume they are braxton hicks but getting a few every hour with no pain just more pressure in the ribs. Not sure if this is a sign of labour soon or the start of labour.

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