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

903 replies

ExquisiteChristmasCake · 01/12/2011 20:25

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?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Lilithmoon · 01/12/2011 21:33

Oooo how exciting, doesn't sound like you will be waiting long. I'll check my phone and see if there is any news in the morning. Good luck :)

ICanTuckMyBoobsInMyPockets · 01/12/2011 21:33

Just ring the MW! And your husband!

ExquisiteChristmasCake · 01/12/2011 21:34

I have to be calm, I don't get pain relief and I have a fear of birthing. Calm is what will keep me alive!!

Thighs are aching a lot more on the inside now rather than the top.

Ok shall get in the bath, will report back if when I get out.

OP posts:
latrucha · 01/12/2011 21:34

Hope the bath helps.

lia66 · 01/12/2011 21:34

soundslike your waters are about to go. Waters don't need to go first, they can go at birth or baby can be born in. Not sure you should get in bath till you have someone with you, it could be quick once in water. Please call mw

shufflebum · 01/12/2011 21:35

Thanks iggly! Op that's your waters ring the me and dh now else they'll miss it!

ClaimedByMe · 01/12/2011 21:35

I've birthed 2 babies naturally and never had a show!!!

Mum1369 · 01/12/2011 21:35

Are there any midwives about on here tonight?

morethemerrier · 01/12/2011 21:36

That is EXACTLY how my waters went, put a pad on, get midwife round!

I kept going, like you had control but when I lay down or shifted position more trickled out.

My midwife (I had HB) came round and sniffed the pad she told me to keep! Blush

ICanTuckMyBoobsInMyPockets · 01/12/2011 21:36

I'm no midwife but I don't think you should get in the bath, maybe you should wait until your husband gets home.

maxybrown · 01/12/2011 21:36

yeah please get someone with you before you get in the bath, please?

HugosGoatee · 01/12/2011 21:36

Yaaay go Exquisite! You're going to have a snuggly cuddly newborn before the morning Envy

shufflebum · 01/12/2011 21:36

That would be mw not me obviously!

Iggly · 01/12/2011 21:37

You're doing really well OP.

Can your MW get into the house if anything happens quickly?

Memoo · 01/12/2011 21:37

Really, truly phone your midwife!!!!

lia66 · 01/12/2011 21:38

I am a doula, if my client called me and described what you are describing, I would say do not get in bath whilst alone and call dh and mw asap.

Then I would get my arse over there but would probably be too late. :)

hiccymapops · 01/12/2011 21:38

Please get your midwife. I've had 3 dc, and never had a show, also my waters didn't break for my last two until I was pushing them out!

Please don't have a bath until your dh is home at least.

Good luck Smile I'm all excited for you Grin

lukewarmMulledWhine · 01/12/2011 21:38

Ummm, just in case, could you leave your front door unlocked? In case you do become, ahem, indisposed?

shufflebum · 01/12/2011 21:39

Op has gone quiet ....

Staverton · 01/12/2011 21:39

Please call your mw. If you've had a painless labour before if could well be the head and I would want to know what baby's heartbeat is doing.
Please call the MW

HugosGoatee · 01/12/2011 21:40

Yikes is she going to be ok? Vision of baby popping out in bath!

ICanTuckMyBoobsInMyPockets · 01/12/2011 21:40

I think she's already in the bath! Water baby on its way I think!

maxybrown · 01/12/2011 21:40

exquisite? You ok?

Wolfiefan · 01/12/2011 21:40

Please tell me you are not in the bath and we are all here thinking you are in labour! Get someone with you. My second born in under an hour......

ObviouslyLovesTinsel · 01/12/2011 21:41

Oh this is so exciting! Except, I hope you're not in the bath. Or if you are, I hope you're still alone :o Good luck!