Beginnings of labour? Should I feel this bulge down below?!

[ExquisiteChristmasCake]

My due date is today. Already had a ds (20mo). Woke up with chronic back ache and cramps at the top of the thighs, chilled out today with my TENS machine (having a home birth so not much else to do). The pain has subsided to be a bit dull, but I am suddenly acutely aware of a bulge in my fanjo. It feels as though there is a grapefruit pressing against it from the other side...could this be the head and is it normal to feel this? Or could it be my waters?

Ds was an easy labour (woke up 10 cms gone and literally began to push whole ordeal was over in a few hours) so I "missed" the beginnings of labour and have no idea what I should be expecting. I know not to bother my midwife to come out until I have contractions/a show (have rung to let her know I'm feeling a bit weird though).

Is it normal?

'patient complains of: childbirth'

my DH "what, she is giving birth live on MN? On the computer?"

Ok 5 more mins then I must go to bed!

My dh thinks MN is a cult

at "it's 999"

I've always wanted to have to talk someone through delivering a baby live on MN. Have don't it over the phone before. Also delivered a baby in carpark at work.

I feel guilty going to bed

OOH! Its been an hour! Did anyone actually tell the OP that you DONT need to have a show or waters breaking before you go into labour????

marking place!

Me: Ohhh there is a woman in labour sounds like she about to give birth

DH: Well whats she doing on the internet

Me: Its not THE internet, its MUMSNET!

My DH is scared stiff of MN me thinks

Not sure about cult but bloody addictive set of people that draw you in and won't let yu...
Oh I see his point!,!,!

Hey Viva, can MNHQ have YOUR phone number?!

oh more - sounds just like the conversation in my house

ME: ooh it's quite exciting

DH: on the actual internet

How are we supposed to sleep?!

wolfie

saggy we tried

viva exciting, I supported a lady a couple of years ago that literally just got into birthing room, Car park would scare the shit out of me make me nervous

I knew I shouldn't have just had a peek at active conversations before going to bed!
Eek!
My 2nd labour was very similar to what you are describing op! Though my 1st was extremely long and painful. You can so easily get caught out, one minute there is this bulge then waters go and this baby comes out with your knickers round your ankles!

Hope you're ok, do update post or pre birth! These ladies are rooting for you!

Right, I need to go to sleep. Guess what I'll be doing at 6am straight after switching the alarm on my phone off?

OP better have returned by then, else I shall worry myself silly.

So exciting! Hope you're okay op.

I am one of those just got past the car park whilst wanting to push women

Does mnhq not have our addresses?

Oooh, unashamed place marking!

Good luck

Lia guessing you a doula?
No one ever tells you it can be that quick do they? Please come and tell us baby news. A false alarm is also fine but just put us out of our misery!

I'm shattered now..........but feel like I'm missing out if i go to bed

Ok, my teeth are brushed, my breath is smelling minty - I am ready to kiss a newborn.

That bath thing is very quiet and dignified. I am impressed.