39 weeks +2 days. Period pains - is this it?

[SHARPIEGIRL]

Hello ladies - new to all this (mumsnet and first baby boy on the way) ...

Am 39 weeks and 2 days today. Have had medium period pains for several hours now - should I be concerned and go out and buy PJs for my labour bag? Did have an internal examination on Thursday night which was painful (as I had some fluid/ discharge leak) - and they said cervix would allow 1 finger tip.

This is my first - so slightly worried. Worried as all new, not really prepared (had assumed baby would be late as all babies in my family seem to be) and also I havent finished some work I had promised someone and I am self employed. Any advice from you experienced mums out there.

How long have I got do you reckon?

Thank you . Yours sharpiegirl

hi sharpie - wont be much help but wanted to bump your post. All I can tell you is that my labour started with period pains. So its possible yes. I'm not sure now is the time to go shopping though - best thing is to ring your midwife/delivery ward and see what they advise you. There is no way of anyone telling how long from over 'here' - my labour was under 3 hours.

DD1 was a week early - so notall first babies are late! My labour also started with period like pains - so this could be it! I don't think I'd be heading out to do any shopping - do you have a friend or partner who could pop out for you? Re the work - what type of work is it? It might just have to wait!

It might just be mild Braxton Hicks contractions, but it does sound like things are starting to get going. Have you had a show yet?

I'm not a first timer, in fact this is my fifth! I've been having painful Braxton Hicks and backache since lunch time and have just been googling, - web says since the pain isn't getting any worse, it's definitely not labour. I'm only 38 weeks + 2, so probably got a month to go! It's quite disconcerting though. I don't think I ever had more than one or two twinges in a row in my earlier pregnancies until I actually was in labour.

I hope your pains ease off soon, and mine too! Do ring the midwife if you're worried, though.

My first arrived at 38 weeks, and once labour got going (waters broke at 36 1/2 weeks), the first obvious sign was period-like pains. So I would say get that bag packed!!!

Good luck!

39+3 and everything quietened down - so false alarm I think. Better go and buy those PJs today just in case though!

39+4 and off to buy PJs this morning just in case! ;-)