Pre-labour: Am I in it? How long will it last?

[AmeliaEarhart]

I'm 38 weeks and 5 days, and I woke at 3am today with what felt like bad cramps. The pain started at my back and moved into my abdomen, building up and then fading to a dull ache. Each one lasted about 15-20 seconds, and I had about 6 between 3 and 7am. They weren't excruciating; more like nasty period pains, but I wasn't able to sleep. During the day I've had constant back ache and mild cramping in my abdomen, and a few Braxton-Hicks per hour.

I haven't had a show or an upset stomach, and I only started having Braxton-Hicks yesterday. As of Wednesday my baby's head wasn't even engaged (according to midwife) so I wasn't expecting anything to happen for ages yet!

I know that 'Am I in labour?' threads get started all the time, but I'm a confused first-timer who is uncomfortable, sleep deprived and curious to know what's going on, so please humour me!

it certainly sounds like you're in labour.

But it could go on for ages yet, so try to relax as much as possible and take the time to make sure you're really ready - bag packed, people told etc.

When your pains are regular (ie you can predict when the next one will come and you're right) you will probably be in established labour and it's just a question of waiting for the pains to become quite close together.

Keep us posted

I am 38+6. On Tuesday I spent 5 hours having contractions 6-8 minutes apart. I thought everything was well on the way then it all just stopped.

I have been up for the past 2 nights with backache, crampiness, upset stomach.

This is pg no 4.

Not sure how this is relevant to you tbh but I guess i'm sending sympathy, I hate this feeling of not quite being started, getting my hopes up that it's under way, having the pain and still not getting a baby when it all just stops

BuckBuck, it's rubbish isn't it? And so tiring when we're supposed to be conserving our energy for 'the real thing'.

I'm off to have a lie down (or at least try). I'll post again if anything else happens.

Enjoy the lie down, hope you get some rest.

My lovely Mum is having the DC overnight so hopefully I will be in my pj's soon. Though DP wants to go out for a meal as it may be the last chance for a while. If he agrees I can wear my slippers I may go!

Here's hoping something happens for both of us soon. Let's stay in touch and moan keep updated.

Can I add myself to your thread? 40+8 here and been having the exact same symptoms since Tues. Sweep on Fri really intensified things and I got all exciting thinking things were cracking on but hey ho, it just wore off. Same again tody, on and off pains sometimes regular sometimes not. I agree it is sooooo frustrating! You want to rest cos you might not get the chance ot again but on the other hand you feel like you should keep moving to try and help things along.

Yes, welcome, the more miserable the merrier

You are much more justified in feeling peed off xMrsSx as you have actually gone past your due date, I'm just being impatient.

I agree re the rest v keep moving issue.

Is this your first too?

Arghh! Contractions have started again, just in time for bed I'm in awe of you ladies who have been enduring this since Tuesday.

I'll probably be checking in around 4am...

Randomly contracting away here too AmeliaEarhart [sigh]

I was awake from 2am last night, so I'm trying to stay up later this evening in the hope that I'll sleep a bit longer.

BuckBuck, any news? If not, I hope you at least managed to get some sleep.

My contractions tailed off around midnight so I was able to sleep quite well (apart from getting up to pee all the time, obviously). Nothing today so far but a dull ache in my back and bump, and a feeling of pressure in my pelvis. Ho hum.

Hey Amelia, nothing happening grrrrr

It's been half term here and DC back in tomorrow, I'm bracing myself for the barrage of 'You're still here then?' in the morning I hope it's raining so I can get them through the gates and run (waddle) for it.

All still quiet at your end?

xMrsSx any news??

I've been contracting at 5-20 minute intervals since 6pm yesterday. No chance to sleep. I'm exhausted and utterly despairing. I feel guilty because DH took the day off work thinking it must be 'it', and now he's napping in our bedroom because it's all so boring.

I've called the birth centre twice, and been told to stay at home and come in when the contractions are more regular. I've had a few periods of every 5 mins for an hour, then they slow down to every 7 or 8. I've tried everything - resting, being active, TENS machine, in and out of the bath. I'm so tired and fed up.

Is there anyone out there with any words of encouragement or advice?

Hope ths is helpful - same thing happened with my first. Found out that her head was asynclitic (off to one side so not fully applied to cervix) after someone finally came out to give me an examination on day 3.

Things that helped included circling hips Elvis style on birthing ball. this helped get her in a good position and the labour then started up proper with a bit of help at hospital.

Key thing is to remember to eat regularly as your labour may slow down near the end as you're so knackered. Glucose tablets/choc/sugary stuff etc may be useful.

You all have a huge amount of sympathy from me as it's very tough - it will be over soon though so hang on in there and try to rest. You can also take paracetamol as it might give you a brief respite enough to doze off for 45 mins. I also had a massive glass of red wine at one point on advice of midwife!

Will be thinking of you all, I am 34 wks with no. 2 and hoping for something a bit more speedy than 60 hours this time...

Going to get on my ball now Luz. DS1 took foreveeeerrrr to get going, walked the length of the maternity ward for hours and hours.

Oooh Amelia, I know it's a pain but it's exciting too, you could meet your baby soon

Really hoping that as it's been a while since you last posted it means it's all happening for you

If not, try some of Luz's suggestions, I'm particularly liking the wine one!

Just wanted to update you all - I finally gave birth on Tuesday afternoon. Labour and delivery were pretty awful but my baby boy is gorgeous and healthy so it was all worthwhile. Thank you for your support and encouragement.

BuckBuck, I hope it happens for you soon too!

Just spotted this...

...CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Fab a baby boy! (I won't ask his name in case you don't want to put it on here) What did he weigh? Who does he look like?

How are you finding the first days of being a Mummy? I hope you're getting lots of rest and being looked after, especially if you had a rough time.

Still nothing happening here, I'm trying to think it's a good thing and making the most of the peace while I can.