40 + 5 on/off contractions overnight

[poppypops]

Morning, I am 40 + 5 today. I have been having contractions since midnight that were going between 8-12 mins until 04.30. They have since subsided but still having odd ones here and there. They were lasting 40 -60 secs and uncomfortable enough not to have slept a wink. Went to the toilet a few minutes ago and there was a large amount of pink blood when I wiped. Rang labor ward for advice as concerned ( am an awful worrier, had an terrible first labor and anxious about this one) but was told to ring back if it continued with clots or if baby movements decrease.

Can anyone offer reassurance/advice please. Feeling very teary as haven't slept all night and just fed up. Thanks

Sounds very promising poppy if you've had a show as well as several hours of contractions and you're past your due date. It might still take a couple of days but I say you're definitely very close. Instead of going to the delivery unit why don't you ring the fetal assessment unit where they'll monitor the baby's heart beat and they might even examine you to see if anything is happening. Don't be disappointed if they later send you home though if it's still early. Good luck! Keep us posted!

Thank you vanilla. Do you think it would be worth ringing them? Would they recommend just waiting it out at home? Have been having more contractions but irregular still

It sounds good, but don't start getting things in action yet. It sounds like you are in latent/warm up labour, which is often downplayed, but is all about getting the baby in position, moving the cervix to a birthing position etc. It can go on, of and on for a few days, with long breaks between spates of contractions. So get as much rest in as you possibly can now, because you will need your energy for the main event. I know it's hard, but try to "ignore" it if you can, watch some good DVDs, spend some time with good friends, try not to get uptight about it. Good luck!