help - am I in labour?? - should I call in babysitters for DS1?

[jambomum]

Last night I woke with pains (like Braxton Hicks,but stronger) which came back every 20 mins for about an hour between 1am -2am.
Baby kicked really hard around this time too.

Then I slept for the rest of the night.

Realise that I am probably not in established labour (I'm 39 + 4) but now worried that baby may be in distress and I am ignoring it by sitting at home.

I have DS to make provision for when I go to hospital, MIL is 3 hours drive away, so don't want to call her for false alarm.

Any reassurance/advice would be gratefully received.

why are you worried that baby may be in distress. How far apart are your pains now.

I am 38 weeks and have been getting similar sounding pains at night for the past few days .

Talked to MW on Wednesday and she said it just sounded like BH .

I would ring your community MW and ask her to come and give you a check up.

Good luck .

Community midwife - ha ha ha - I live in North London and have had no contact from community midwife at all - all my appointments have had to be with the hospital midwife team. I wouldn't know who to phone in my area.

My pains now are irregular and Braxton Hicks-ish.

My concern about baby in distress is because that's the first time the baby has kicked with such ferosity in the middle of the night and I know that at this stage it can't be turning as it won't have enough room.

Thanks for support.

I'm 37 weeks and had the same over the last few days - was convinced I was about to go into earlyish labour (this is my second and I don't remember having such strong BH the first time round). Baby was going mental, and the BH were incredibly strong and painful. All died down again now, baby being pretty sedate, so I figure its all part of the pre-labour warming up which can go on for weeks, and will all help to make actual labour that bit shorter and better.

That said, I'm seeing the midwife today anyway, so will mention that the baby has gone quieter for reassurance - perhaps you should give your midwife a call if you're worried? But I don't think it sounds like you need to call in the cavalry just yet (famous last words....!)

PS it could be the baby engaging, if its not already? I've read some other people's experiences where lots of really hard kicks happened at about the time of engagement?

Disclaimer - I know nothing! I would pop into your hospital for a check if you're worried....

hi im 39+5 and my baby ds3 has been way more active at night for the past few. and ive been getting bh for a good few weeks now similar to yours.

My midwife said the more babies you have the stronger the bh..

I had exactly the same as Misscresote on Tuesday night-very hard kicks like baby was trying to kick her way out and very strong braxton hicks. Thought I was going into labour. Since then the movements have been significantly reduced and the braxton hicks have been less than ever. Not too worried as still having 10 movements a day, just feels like its never going to happen. (38+5)

ps I'm like you and just so unsure about when to call someone for my ds. He's only 3 years old and my mum and dad are going to have him, but they both work (self-employed) from 5.30am so I wouldnt want to wake them unnecessarily through the night as they get tired enough. Will probably have a head between my legs before I believe its really happening as my last labour just felt like strong period pains.

I'm 39 + 3 and had similar pains 2 weeks ago. Contractions for almost 2 hours during the night that went away. I agree that this is prep towards the real thing. (this is my 3rd baby).
I would call your in laws when the pains are every 5 minutes, lasting a minute for over an hour. Hope that's helpful!

So reassured to hear that you have all had similar experiences. I had no contractions when DS1 was born, just waters breaking with meconium, so had to go to hospital and be induced.
I feel like this is the first time for me.

Really conscious of phoning others in the middle of the night. Also, we are at least 40 minutes drive from the hospital, so conscious of having to get my timing right !!!

Best of luck to you all and thanks for lowering my concern levels this morning,