Help! Do you think Im in slow labour?

[GemmaReeto]

So woke up at 1am this morning with pain at bottom of bump. Felt like I may need the loo but when I tried I couldnt go. I've now had this pain on and off since, it varied from 4 mins apart to up to 12 mins apart and generally about 30 seconds in length. Its not been very very painful, more uncomfortable really but its getting a bit more painful now and they are about 5 to 7 mins apart and still lasting around 30-40 seconds in length.

Im thinking it probably is slow labour but as a first timer I just dont know for sure, I've not experienced any braxton hicks or anything else like it up to yet in pregnancy and keep worrying Im being silly and its just trapped wind causing it as I do find it hard to use the loo and havent had a 'clear out' like I thought you are supposed to (am feeling a bit gassy though). Each time the pain comes its like a mix between a period pain, a feeling of pressure and TMI but it makes me feel like I really need to trump but it wont come out! My bump also gets harder but its not the whole bump that hurts, just the bottom of it and a little in my back sometimes.

I've not had a show, discharge hasnt increased and waters still intact!

What do you think...? Do these sound similar to contractions you have experienced? Oh Im 39 + 3 by the way!

It's hard to say really. It might be the start of something or it might be trapped wind .

If it is the onset of labour you will know about it pretty soon. Watch out for a show or leaking waters which are fairly reliable signs that something is happening . If the pains get worse then, of course, phone your midwife or the hospital for advice.

I've had this sort of thing on and off for 2-3 weeks (41+1 today) so I'm afraid it just sounds like standard labour teasing to me. MW and mum both said "you won't miss labour" and mum expanded by saying it felt like her pelvis had been attached to two tractors driving in opposite directions. MW said if you think "ooh, am I in labour?" the answer's no. So I'm looking forward to more of an "AAAARGH OMG THE BABY'S COMING AAAAARRGH"

Heh heh. But I have googled 'early labour symptoms' so often it isn't even funny...

Just to add, I've had two shows, second with much old blood, so that must mean something, right? Right?

Labour has to start somewhere and I'm afraid anyone who says you won't miss the start is telling porkies! Admittedly, when you become sure you're in v established labour and can't talk thru the pain etc.. it's unmistakeable but it can take a whole lot of frustrating time to work up to that point and your cervix can be working up to it for days/weeks!!
I'm 39wks with no.4 and as with my last pregnancy I've been in latent labour for approx 4wks now!! Had just about every sign in the book..AGAIN! However, last time once I knew I was in established labour I was 9cms so the worst most painful part only lasted 1.5hrs. Your niggles gemma could be the start of it yes, as your body's got to start somewhere though you could have a few days or even a couple of wks of it? On the other hand you might be lucky and progress v quickly? If it's not the onset of labour I would say it's either trapped wind, constipation, baby laying on a nerve or round ligament pain, (all v possible at 39wks!) Good luck and hope it all happens for you sn :)

Oh totally, you might have the very earliest signs - but you'll do your own head in if you spend too long concentrating on those. And I speak as one who has done just that!
On the plus side, it's all working in your favour. I had a sweep today and am 3cm dilated. Still no labour proper, but I could have spent hours in pain to get that far along and it's just been sorting itself out quietly :)

My labours have started like this with my first baby this went on for 2 or 3 days before contractions became regular. But it is a sign for me at least :)

this is how my labour was at the very begaining! how r u doing?

Sorry Im very late replying to this but wanted too as it might help others recognise the signs!... Turned out it was the very start of slow labour for me. 43 and a half hours later and my baby girl Belle was born, an 11.11.11 baby!
The pains gradually got closer together and much more painful. I went to the hospital when they were 2 mins apart and I felt I needed something to help with the pain. I was 4 and a half, nearly 5cm dilated by then and my baby girl arrived around 7 hours later in the birthing pool.
Thanks for the replies x

thanks for the post I had the same thing last night went the hospital and they said it was more likely to be trapped wind but I feel something is happening! Congratulations hope you had a nice birthxx

Congratulations!!! Xx