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?

Do you want me to send you some more balloons ?

It must be horrible.

Mind you, it wasn't fun spending 4 months in 3 different hospitals with a preemie !

Just try to keep telling yourself it won't be long. It's because you made such a nice home for baby that he/she doesn't want to leave quite yet.

Maybe he/she is waiting for the first snow ?

My sister's first was preemie.
I was convinced I would have the same problem.

I've got loads of balloons thanks!

It was snowing this time last year :(

@nickelbabe

I don't enjoy telling people I'm late. I then get lots of very dull stories about how overdue they were, their daughter was, their neighbour two doors down was.

I was six days late with DC3 (no really I was)
It will be your turn soon nickle

sends positive birthing/ quick labour/ dilation vibes

I was due the previously mentioned 10lb 6 oz'er on Xmas eve. My poor mother came over from Ireland the week before so she could mind dd while I was in hospital and be there when We came out. Poor poor woman went home 2 days before ds arrived!

It's quite chilly but I don't think we are due any snow just yet, if that's any reassurance ?

Baby will come when he/she is ready. Not that it makes you feel any better.

Try to enjoy the calm before the storm ?

i don;t mind being 6 days late if i'm not also 7 days late.

Nickel, I was a week late with my son.

By fuck this hurts, I actually envy you.

Have been on the birthing ball TENS machine in tow. My legs are beginning to shake a bit. Fucking hell it hurts like fuck. Ouchies

Didn't mean to end your thread either, thought I was growing some sort of penis in the beginning.

Might've hurt less if I was.

okay, you're forgiven

When's the MW coming back?

(you didn't really kill my thread - it's just this one is moving faster than mine. due to something happening on yours! )

Eeee, 'tis all a bit exciting. Sending good lucks and painfree vibes again.

Will be back later.

Wonder if I will be saying congratulations to you, EEC ? Or will my prediction will be right ?

nickel

I recommend lots of whatever you fancy.

ECC, try to have loving thoughts or think about anything that makes you go 'Mmmmm' like sliding between clean sheets, eating cake or cuddling your new babeee.

ooooh this is so exciting! I've been lurking since the beginning but must de-lurk to send my best wishes :)

Nickel I was 15 days late (sorry) and it's fucking awful. I promise, nothing since has been as bad - not sleepless nights, not a D&V bug, not the anxiety post birth. Nothing. Everything you will do from now on will be nicer than what you've already done :)

Sending calming vibes!

I'd be inclined to get in a warm bath, actually.

I was 10, (yes that number after 9)days late with my second!!!!!

Not that you will get that far Nickle! Fairly sure you will go, OOOhhhh, cough, and out pops a baby all in time for the Ten O'clock news!!!

Just checking in

of your 7cm ECC!

Went out shopping - nice contractions. Get home, slows down. I think it's cos the ILs are here so I have performance anxiety.

MW says I have to be induced tomorrow if no profess as waters have gone. Bah.

I do have vague memories of being a howling she-beast at 7cm. I am in awe of icing and typing.

Exquisite - when's the midwife coming back?

I am of all this btw, painful as it sounds. I'm booked in for a c-section for breech for my first, and a uterine anomaly means I'm unlikely to experience normal labour. I feel like I'm missing out big-time.

Hugos, you may miss out on this but you keep your pelvic floor and avoid the ragged bits thread. Enjoy.

My record is 17 days overdue. 9lb baby.
He's still huge!

Guessing again:

Baby boy 2.2.11 weighing 8lbs 3ozs born at 10.36pm

That would be one hell of a labour. I am not sure she could go on until February!

RE-GUESS (not wanting to add to any pressure!)

Exquisite = Girl, 8lb 1oz, 10.35pm

Iggly = Boy, 7lb 80z, 3.40am

Good luck ladies!

I'm guessing at boy, around 8lbs, and before 9pm tonight!