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?

If I don't post on here I'll have to watch Stargate SG1 shit. The lesser of two evils

how long will it take her to get to you?

Why don't you ring the MW and just ask her what she thinks? I can tell from your posts that you don't really want her there until absolutely necessary but it's hard to tell exactly when that may be. How long will it take her to get to you?

Seriously, phone the MW and tell her the people in your computer have told you you're in transition!

She'll believe you.

@ExquisiteChristmasCake

If I don't post on here I'll have to watch Stargate SG1 shit. The lesser of two evils

We'll take that as a compliment

Stargate would defo send me to sleep. Maybe baby is waiting until it's finished

Baby's coming! Baby's coming! Baby's coming! Baby's coming!

Aaaaand breath.
Sorry, I'm just so excited.

Please call her she can always go away again. With my third i thought i was nowhere near ready to go to hospital , when i did decide that maybe it was time to go, i was at the front door and I felt a little head!!! You dont want your dad to deliver the baby :). You are doing great btw.

OH MY CRIKEY OH-REILLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't know you were in labour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oi, was it those rubbery fanjo vibes wot done it?

How are you feeling? ~~~~~~~~luck and love~~~~~~~~

Can any midwives give a list of what to do, just in case baby arrives before the midwife? Then at least family will have the list to hand??

Oh and boy, 7lb 15oz, 8.12pm.

Basics for unassisted HB:

2 x towels.

wrap baby in towel 1, rub down a bit.

change to towel 2, await help.

Apparently too many people don't change towels & baby gets cold.

For the love of god, pleeeeease ring the midwife!

And PPUUUSSSSHHHHH!......
And PPPAAANNNNTT!.......

Does sound like transition, although I must say you are incredibly rational and calm.

Very impressed, I was mumbling on about chasing cats up trees during transition with DD1.

Call midwife just in case then go for your lie down, if you can get comfortable that is.

Or you could watch something on internet that is not Stargate to take your mind off it.

With my second the irritability was all the transition I got. So my vote's also for phone her.

(Still giggling at the idea of you lunging in Tescos.)

This thread is fantastic! I have a gin and tonic and the kids are in bed, so whenever you are ready OP .

I've only delivered babies over the phone, however if you feel the need I will have to start typing fast

(peeks round bedroom door) you asleep exquisite?

Been watching since 2 am - ECC's gone very quiet -I'll bet the baby's arriving right now

What on earth is your job? Phone-birthing call girl?

Parents have just left, promised mum I'd ring her when things really start. Rang my MW she said its up to me as and when I want her and unless I feel like I'm about to deliver then she's happy for me to sleep. Just eating a peanut butter sandwich then gonna hit the hay. The MW did say I'll be delivering at some point before morning but she can't pin point a time. Am quite tempted to ring her just for the gas and air. Husband is irritating me less, will probably be screaming for my mother when the going gets tough! So I think ill go and lie down will post when something useful or intriguing happens!

Midwife Shift change at MNHQ

Nononononon, this is just Not ON: I have to spend all day at work - no MN. I am home, first 2 in bed, 2 still hanging around, I've got my insane shoes on as I am supposed to Go OUT.

Exquisite, you've got 10 minutes. That's it. Get on with it.

Oh, yes, do ring the MW...