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?

Oh and hope things get going in a more concerted way for you. Had this vaguely with dd, but she was born on her due date. With ds, had about a week of nightly "is this is". And it wasn't. But when he did came, was a 2.5 hour labour and was wonderful (though a week late )

Marslady

Many thanks, really appreciate it

Had about four strong contractions in the last hour, but they seem to have stopped again!

I know how frustrating it is to wait for labour to kick off! I'm 40+2 with my second and I don't even have any real contractions! (only some uncomfortable BH's and period type pains on and off for the past two weeks). Like many before have said, it could go on for a few more days, but hopefully it is doing lots of good preparing your body for a smooth labour.

A question to you all - if you've had a show, are you not supposed to engage in the kind of 'activities' that was referred to earlier? I had a show last week. My DH is also at home in the next few days, although I think he will need some persuasion, I don't blame him, I feel a stranded whale!

Let us know how you get on! I'm also praying for my baby not to get born on leap day!

I don't think that a show precludes other such activities. I think that applies more to waters breaking. The show is just the mucus plug (or bits of). The baby is still ensconced in the amniotic sac.

You do know you've probably jinxed it now - now you've said on here that you're avoiding a leap day baby and all.....

And lillac - what you describe is pretty much exactly what happened with ds - a couple of weeks of niggles, and a show. Then 2 days later very quick and lovely labour. So fingers crossed for you both.

OOOH do you really think lots of niggles indicates a smoother labour? I get niggles all the time

Pooka - oh nooo! Didn't mean to jinx it, will have to engage in lots of activities tonight! I thought abstaining only referred to when your waters had broken but wanted to check. Thanks, that's encouraging, I certainly hope for a quicker labour this time, last one was 22 hours in hospital with 24 hours of contractions at home before that, it was like a marathon!

Angua - sending you some good labour vibes!

LillaC - good labour vibrations right back to you.

I am just finding it so frustrating that nothing actually happens (and then inbetween I have these huge pains)

I just want the baby to decide, either he is coming or he is not ready, but not this inbetweening!

i was just wondering how you were Angua! How strange!

I have been in and out of hosp for lots of monitoring recently (I have OC) and i am having contractions off and on too BUT they are caused by irritable uterus because they are not regular...although bloody painful at times! I am 36+4...shall we have a race

OK can I join in the race as an outside chance too!!!! I have just spent 5 days in hospital with contractions, and irritable uterus, they have just let me out after much pleading.

I am only 34weeks today, but have the tens machine strapped to me now and do not intend giving it up for anyone. Mostly I am getting strong bhx, but then suddenly I will get more painful contractions and strong ones. But they are doing absolutely nothing - womb on shut-down here apparently.

Angua - hope things get started properly for you soon.

Mumofmonsters - it is good to have someoneelse to empathise with on the irritable uterus thing. I had it with my first dc, but not my second, thought I would get away with it again.

sounds like you are going to be busy mars

bugger , im 36 weeks today. lots of bh but had that from early with dd2 and went to 40 weeks. also (totally gross question for you mars) is it normal to start getting sore nips and more discharge towards term? didnt notice it with the last 2 but definitly with this one.

Mumofmonsters - lets race! Its all stopped over here for the moment so if you are still getting contractions you are ahead of me.

Just want something to happen/or it all to stop.

Is anyone else getting really emotional? I was really giggly at first, and now am quite upset and tense.

Hi there, I am in the same position - am 35+5? and have been having contractions since Saturday. They made me stay in hospital today (because I am technically preterm) but it was all to no avail. I have been told I have an irritable uterus too.

I am expecting another night of contractions tonight (the same happened in my last pregnancy).

So many of us in that "irritable uterus verses latent labour - we don't know stage". Must me something in the air at the moment.

OK so who's contracting today!!!!
I am definitely not, baby all quiet (too quiet???) and just having small irregular tightenings everytime I move. So how is everyone else?

Angua - do you want some contraction wishes coming your way?

Can I join in then? I'm 39+3 with second baby. Had a 12 hour false labour 6 days again, followed up every other day with a mini-version of same: D&V, shakes, period cramps, backache, BH every 5-10 minutes for a few hours at time.

Had a sweep yesterday as am supposed to be carrying humungous baby needing getting out before it grows bigger than me etc etc. Don't think it is TBH, think it's long. Think if it was majorly chunky would not be able to move as much as it does. Cervix ripe but that's all as of yesterday am. Feel like I need to get going ASAP as hospital and even indy midwife worried about size of bump and me being 40 and all suggesting induction next week. But I am frit +++ of hospital births after last time round and want to stay here, where we've hired a pool and it's nice and quiet.

AND I AM EXTREMELY GRUMPY. EXTREMELY.

Ah- sympathies to you all! Am in a similar position but MW has told me to avoid doing anything to help along which makes sense as I have until a week Sunday until i can deliver at home - bah! But had a few 'false starts', baby engaging, 2cm dilated so we shall see.... JoFeb (Doula) warned other day so knows he may come early (or late yet, had a show with ds3 4 weeks before actually arrived!)

OCuld do with earlya rrival, bit busy weeks of due dates - dissertation draft due week after, meeting at school week before for statement review for ds1, Easter.... . Free today after 1.30 though .

Good luck all. FWIW had long latent phase with ds3 as well, and a very pleasant / sensible labour.

Spugs- absolutely yes, had that every time so far (and am on 4th now).

How is everyone today? was up a lot in night but that was with itching/heartburn/needing awee/mild acheyness/DPs snoring. Had a few tightenings today but nothing making me breath differently or lasting very long. Managed to get the house to myself this morning...ds1 at school and ds2 been taken out by nana

Better do the dishes that have piled up though

Watch a couple of comedies. It will really relax you, take your mind off things and hopefully open you up some more. Sort photo albums. These babies are coming. Relax and let them come.

How early is really too early?
I had contractions and backaches for the second time last night but am only 34weeks today, I kind of knew it wasn't going to kick off so just went to bed but could really do with it coming out in the next few eeks. I've had enough!

Mine can't come yet - I'm still at work until the end of the week! and then dh is away next week. I need to slow things down a bit! (no "activities" happening in my house )

I was having regular contractions every 8 minutes yesterday evening, but was then actually ok last night. I have noticed a few contractions today (in the office eek!).

Peachy I'm also 2cm dilated - I think this is a permanent thing though from having lots of children!

i meet consultant tomorrow so i should know either way when this baby is coming. Although, if he says they will induce 2mo night i will need to get Flame to update (MN doesn't work properly on teh patientline wotsit)]

Am soooo itchy

Spent this afternoon in the labour ward, after they told me to come in due to low grade continuous pain, rather than contractions (which seem to have stopped)

They are worried about the continousness of the pain and the sensitivity of my stomach, threatened to keep me in overnight, but agreed I could go home if I go to day assesment unit tommorow!

They did an internal exam (and boy did that hurt), and apparently my cervix is completely closed, so nothing I have been through has made any difference!

Rainbow days - would really like some contraction wishes.

What news everybody?

Mumofmonsters, waiting to hear with bated breath!