Did the Stretch and sweep work? Is this actually labour?

[LittlePinapple]

Hello.

I'm currently 41+3 with baby number 2 and had my second stretch and sweep yesterday where the midwife confirmed I was 2-3cm already but baby was a bit high up. Few hours later strong period pains started and they got a lot more regular (5mins apart for 50 seconds) and I phoned labour ward and the definitely expected me to be going in a few hours later but at 2am it all stopped.

Then this morning I woke up with strong pains again 15 minutes apart. Is it actually happening this time?

I didn't experience any of this with my daughter (waters broke at 39+3 and she was born 8 hours later) but this baby seems right at home!

Start stop labour can be really common in the beginning, I had it for days (sorry!) With my first. try to naturally up your oxytocin to encourage the contractions :) lots of cuddles (or more!) With your partner, maybe music and dancing whatever gives you that love hormone.
The naked doula on insta has loads of posts about this! x