Only 37+3 - surely these aren't contractions?

[msVal]

Just finished work yesterday. Baby no 2 due 2nd Oct. Feeling a bit funny this evening, cramps and a bit of something that might be a show. Nothing done, bag not packed, baby clothes not washed, no mattress for the cradle - not ready for this! Surely I am not starting labour?!

Well, it's not impossible that you are starting labour - babies are described as being full-term after 38 weeks, so you are very nearly there.

People will probably say, most likely Braxston Hicks. But I think you should get packing just in case (if you don't need the bags this week - you will do in a couple of weeks time ).

Good luck - how very exciting.

Hi piprabbit and thanks - just grabbed a pile of baby things out of the wardrobe ready to stuff in the machine. Dh has put the cradle up and have ordered a mattress to collect from john lewis tomorrow. Cramps still coming but not regularly I don't think, might start timing.

Didn't have braxton hicks last time - do they feel like cramps/period pains/contractions?

So not ready!!! Feeling really panicky then thinking that I should be trying for calm and serene and breathing if this really is it..!

My baby no 2 was born at 37 weeks :)
20min labour 9lb 6oz!

I'd chuck a few things in bag if I was you

Good Luck

Really? Oh god!! I better get a bag for me sorted - if I can even find a bag! We just moved house and it's chaos here at the minute. These cramps are getting more and more ouch though. 20 minute labour is amazing btw - did you get to hospital in time or home birth? I take it there was no time for pain relief?!

I was at the hospital because I'd had a bit of spotting. They decided to keep me in as my blood pressure was through the roof.

Managed with just gas and air and it was fine. Felt like shit afterwards though! Like I'd ran a marathon in 10mins!!

I wouldn't worry too much about packing. Just grab the essentials. With your 2nd they chuck you out pretty quick anyway.

Let us know how it goes!

Good luck!

Full term is actually 37 weeks not 38

Full term is 37 completed weeks, so 38 weeks.

Could still be labour though, good luck.

no, she is 37 completed weeks plus 3 so full term? But don't want to bicker about the minutiae. Good luck with your baby anyway

Where I work 37+3 is not considered full term, not allowed in birthing pool, should be on a CTG throughout labour. That doesn't often happen though.

ok, fair enough, I have heard it varies from place to place actually

QUick update - baby girl arrived yesterday morning at 5:53am!! Thanks for your posts and support

ps she managed to arrive without the aid of hospital bag :)

Congratulations.

I had a phone call from my DD she is 36 wks had a small show and cramps, so looks like she might join you soon.

Wow congratulations!

Congratulations!

Wow, congrats!

Congratulations :)

Great news! Congratulations

congratulations!

Congratulations!! :) :)

Good grief - you and she didn't waste any time.
Congratulations to the both of you .

Congratulations, looks like i read this to late. I had pains which i thought was braxton hicks, started at 11:15 pm and at 7:27am i had my baby, i was 30wks+3. The only thing i took to hospital was my yellow book as i thought id be sent home. My baby will be 20wks on thurs and shes so healthy