Traditional "It would appear that I am in labour, but when will it actually get going properly thread

[AnguaVonUberwald]

I have been having period like pains and backache since friday evening, last night I had an hour and a half of really intense contractions every few minutes, that suddenly stopped, had a few this morning as well, but now back to the period like pains and backache, how long could this go on for?

Spugs, that sounds positive

FNF1, wow, sounds like it could all be starting.

NO news hear at all - now 39+2, just waiting around!!!!!!!!!!!!

spugs that sounds really positive...and wierd!

FnF..fingers crossed for you but with ds2 and ds3 (wow thats strange to type!) i had irregular contractions...with ds2 i had one gap of 10 minutes when i was 9 cm
Not making much sense (sleep deprived) but basically, you can still be labouring nicely with irregular contractions

This thread could go on forever more....shall i get some comfy cushions?

Ooh, MOM, I could really use a few things from IKEA, can I give you my list?

Jumping on this thread as 41 wks today and really need some labour vibes. Had a sweep yesterday as things were favourable (softening, anterior cervix, MW could dialate it to 1cm) but no action as of yet. Head 2/5 engaged so maybe just need to bounce/walk this baby out!

Someone please make me a bacon sandwich (with a little ketchup) and knit for me (my fingers are numb with carpal tunnel).

hvae just had super duper positive meeting at hospital with consultant midwife about various Good THings... so lets get some birthing going to make the day complete!

AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGG!! Nothing here at all apart from more pains that last for about half an hour and then stop!!

Was given the leaflet about sweeps at 39 week appointment and phoned today, apparently they will do my sweep at 41+2!! Thats two weeks away!!!

AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!

it is good they do a sweep post dates, more chance of it actually doing something !!

try to ignore the pains that come and go, keep busy, and concentrate on other things if you cna.. you will exhaust yourself otherwise

doubt anyone is up, but had to tell you, Baby Cooper came into the world at 10.56 last night, after a very quick second stage, weighing in at 11lbs 3ozs.

mum and baby home by 3, will post details soooon!!

well done sweetheart!! what a great name.. fantastic news....

and what a weight!

looking forward to the birth story xxxxxx

Jaysthird - congtatulations, really pleased for you.

Well, we had a drama here and a half last night.

Contractions started at around 7pm last night (while in the bath), started off at 12 mins apart and were coming 5/3 mins apart by 9pm.

PHoned the hospital and they said, give it another half an hour and phone us back.

Phoned at 9.30 - contractions 3 mins apart since last phone call, and they said:!!!

"We have no beds available, and people are already waiting in reception. YOu can come in if you want and wait in reception or you can stay at home!"

I replied that I didn't know what to do and could they advise me, and they refused!

So I got sooooo stressed, all the contractions stopped!!!

Now really stressed, as feel like every time I go into labour they will just tell me they are full up!!!

oh dear, that is not a good situation.. where are you? are there other maternity units near you? i am afraid i have not encountered that problem where i am, so i am not sure what to say.. perhaps some of the london doulas and midwives can tell you what happens in that situation.?

shit angua! how are things today? any more contractions?

Congrats to Jaysthird - well done.

Lulu - can I use these two eleven pounders on my honourary doula cv?

Jaysthird - would have been more gushing in my congrats, but thought I'd save it for the birth announcement. (can't find one yet, so I'll wait till you get around to it )

definitely squonk!

where's my fakon sandwich !!

Lulumama, I am in Bromley. I simply couldn't belive it, they were every three minutes and lasting at least 1.40, so its not like they were trivial!

Any advise about what to do in that situation gratefully recived.

Now getting cramps again, milder than last night, feel like they are building up again, but slowly!!

Just so stressed, that whenever I go into labour they will be full up!

try not to be too stressed about it if you can help it.

The baby WILL come out. The hospital WILL help you.

Things may not go in the way you have planned, but everything will be all right.

If I were you, I would stay comfortable at home for as long as you can stand it. Then go to the hospital. If you feel things are moving beyond your control, ring an ambulance and let them take you to whichever hospital they think best.

Make sure you have your notes with you.

Any more twinges today or have they completely stopped?

re-read your post, and I see that you are getting cramps again.

agree with squonk... today might not be as busy also.

if you are in labour, then you need medical help, be it at the hospital of your choice, or a different one, or with a paramedic... as soon as you think this is it, then call immediately

I gave birth in bromley (arranged homebirth) when you ring the labour to get them to send someone they are not really helpful and seem to take ages answering the phone. Are you due to go to the PRU

Thanks ladies, cramps dying down again, slight twinges but thats it.

If it does get to 3 mins appart again, I will just go in, and then at some point they will have to deal with me!

Might call day assesement unit to see what they say!

Tooly, yes, going to the PRU, agree they are not very helpful on the phone at the labour ward!

OK, had an other hour and a half of cramps, called DH home, went and had a bath and it all stopped again!!!

Just had a nap, so now need to see what tonight brings.

I am getting a real downward, dragging feeling in my lower stomach with these cramps, is that normal?