IBS pains and Labour signs!

[MsBump]

Ok so I know I'm only 38 +4 but I'm walking like John Wayne with baby's head pretty much engaged, have had 'period' type pains for over 3 weeks, in the last 5 days been getting terrible tummy craps in the middle of the night that feel like contractions cos my tummy tightens like braxton hicks (or Tony's as I fondly call them!) and am in LOTS of pain...I keep thinking...is this it? really? then it kind of goes....

I have had bad IBS before pregnancy then it seemed to fade a bit in the middle and now has come back with a vengeance!
Has anyone else confused the signs of early labour with IBS pains? can anyone tell me if they are anything like the same?

I just want this baby out now

I don't know what IB pain feels like, having never suffered

But IME of 2 previous labours, the feeling of a contraction cannot be mistaken for anything else, once they really get going, IYSWIM

I agree the last couple of weeks before birth can be really uncomfortable and painful at times. Lots of luck to you, I hope you don't have too long to wait

I've had some tony braxton's that have felt a lot like IBS pains - I can tell the difference though cos eventually I go to the loo and all calms down. I agree though that it can be hard to tell, I used to struggle telling the difference between true IBS and period pain cos it's all quite close together (physiologically I mean! even more so in pregnancy when your organs are jostling for space)

not sure if that constitutes as advice but yes I know what you are talking about

I had one of the worst attacks of IBS the night before my waters broke with DS1.

For me, the cramps of IBS were far worse than labour pains.

well Sympathy is as good as advice. At least I know I'm not on my own lol. thanks titmouse

NNB - I see what you are saying...I suppose the 'pain' does feel different but maybe its just a combo of general lightening pains and IBS...I am sure I'll work it out when a baby pops out at the end...just dont want to think I'm making a fuss over ibs pains when it is actually labour...ahh the waiting game!

IBS pains - for me at any rate - were 'tighter' and 'higher' and much more intense. Labour pains were completely different, and the funny thing is that I can't really remember what they were like! I know that it started off as a dull ache, like period pains.

really Because? Thats almost encouraging! I have had years of terrible IBS pains and had to deal with the 'contraction' like pains and cope so would be good if labour is less intense than that!

I too am hoping that years of dealing with IBS and period pains (endometriosis) which literally floored me is going to stand me in good stead for labour! Well it must count for something eh.

you'd hope so! When are you due TM?

thursday - 26th. Had some good labour signs last weekend but nothing since. Not that I am getting impatient!

Hope you get something soon titmouse.... I obviously confused some of my IBS pain with labour as my waters have broken and have started mild contractions!

Just got back from the hospital...

Yikes - so not long now :-D

yay!! Brilliant. Keep us updated, I hope you are cuddling your baby soon xx