38 weeks and labour

[Kafri]

Right mums,

What are the early signs of labour - more signs that its imminent iuswim??

So far I've had an increase in discharge, am going to the loo (bm) more and it's looser (not runs, just looser when I go), an increase in wind, sharp 'pains'? very low down - these aren't really bad pains but certainly noticeable, sometimes enough to Mae me stand still or a few secs, BH only started yesterday and seem to have eased off today - not noticed 1 today!!

What do you experienced mums think? Anywhere close or just normal bodily changes in prep for a few weeks time?

[MelonThroughaLemon]

Thanks Kafri however you never know I could be late and you could be early!!! I keep having dreams that I've gone into labour but alas I wake up and all is calm! I do feel like my bump has 'dropped' slightly today...x

[MelonThroughaLemon]

Hi Weissdorn! It's so true but the difference being that we sure are pregnant this time!!! I remember being on a site that compared the lines in the pregnancy tests! I was obsessed! Your show sounds positive? Fingers crossed x!

[MelonThroughaLemon]

Oooooh! Weissdorn! How exciting! When do you have to see her? How are you feeling otherwise? Good luck x

Not much else from me just a few more brief period like twangs but baby seems to have gone quiet, still moving/kicking but slightly fainter, seems to have moved down? Anyone else had this? xxx

[Kafri]

Me me me!!! Defo quieter and lower down!

No show or owt yet though. Sore lower back on and off.

One weird thing though - I kinda feel less, er, awkward and heavy. I guess a little more like me. It's hard to explain. Up til yesterday I felt tired and heavy and everything was hard work but now I feel more lively?? Anyone else or just my weirdness?

[Snowflakepie]

With DD I felt so much better once she properly dropped down, I guess my lungs and stomach were less squashed? That was at about 36 weeks. She arrived at 39+5, no show, signs, BH or anything lol! 2.30am, woke up with the most insane pains across my belly, minutes later my waters went and contractions were 4 mins apart by 3am. DH had the cheek to say had I just wet myself, he didn't believe how quickly it all happened. So it can go from 0 to 60 very quickly. Not that it helps, but lack of signs doesn't mean it's not imminent. Hope the babies are all prompt for you!

[MelonThroughaLemon]

I'm with you Kafri! I don't feel such a hefalump! And at times I just feel like I gave a fat belly rather than a preggo one if that makes sense??

I was concerned about the quietness but I'm sure this happens at this late stage? Also I counted 12 movements over 50mins...
Could this be the calm before the very very big storm?? xxx

[TwistTee]

Gosh, so fed up. Got very mild cramps but I think they are down to needing the loo and not the sign of anything exciting. 39+3 today, still no show. Bah!

[Kafri]

Ooohh I hope so!

I've never been so keen for the pain to kick in! I'm sure ill live to regret that sentence. Part of me still can't believe in sooooo close to having my much longed for little miracle!

[mmmnoodlesoup]

Can I join? Currently 38+2 due Christmas Eve but really want him to come before that!

Been having bh since 20 weeks but they have increased this week.
Lots more BM and discharge.

kafri I feel the same! Like a last burst of energy right at the end. I was so tired and heavy last week but feel more myself now, but my bump is sore and heavy at the bottom.

Saw mw yesterday and he's 3/5 engaged, compared to 4/5 at 36 weeks so he is descending slowly.

Been bouncing on ball like mad and bathing/tummy massaging with Cso.

Come on babies!

[DyeInTheEar]

I'm 41+3 and every evening for the past week I've been convinced something is about to kick off but here we still are. I'm expecting DC3. I'm fed up - fed up with the endless messages - all meant very kindly - asking me if I've had my baby and offering up tips to get labour started: which I think are all bollocks anyway having actually had 2 babies already (at 42 weeks). Fed up with people saying "oohhhhh still pregnant then, no way!! Have you tried curry".

I can no longer face: going out, doing school run, looking after a toddler, getting off sofa, getting through another insomniac night. Very tired......but not sure I want to be induced either so fingers crossed for tomorrow - 12.12.12 could be the date! If DC is anything like DH and a bit freaky when it comes to numbers that's what he'll go for. If not will ask for sweep on Thursday though swore I'd never have one again after last time

[yuletopian99]

Am now 39+5 so pretty close. Went for a brisker than intended sprint to the shop on Sunday (only 15 mins there and back,) and have been having major bump cramps since then. Spoke to the mw yesterday who thinks I've shaken him lower iyswim, but doesn't mean anything will actually happen on time!

[MelonThroughaLemon]

Morning all! Nothing from my neck of the woods however every night I have a vivid dream that I've gone into labour! It's really annoying when I wake up!! I've been out every night since Saturday, meals with hubby and friends, but think I'll take it easy now! I agree, the messages are slightly irritating, but we're all nearly there! x

[MelonThroughaLemon]

Ps messages from friends telling me to try coconuts that is! I wonder if Bounty bars will work? x

[TwistTee]

Up until a couple of days ago, I'd been eating dried fruit with lots of coconut. Afraid it hasn't done anything.

Nausea, oedema and loose BM have stepped up recently and insomnia is particularly bad (slept for only 3hrs last night). I'm seeing my MW in about an hr and really hoping she will offer some sort of induction. Although, the thought of a sweep scares me as so many people say its very painful.

[Kafri]

Nothing to report here!! Still finding life 'easier and lighter' ATM which I guess is a good thing.

Quick question. When they talk about baby dropping and it making breathing easier but obv more uncomfy in the pelvis. Well, I'm confused cos I've not had trouble breathing throughout and now don't feel uncomfy in the pelvis. Consultant has told me baby is head down and locked so am I just not normal that I haven't felt this 'lightening' thing or as it not hapened???

Still got fingers crossed for everyone. Bumps to babies soon!!

[monsterchild]

Kafri, I am having the same effect. I do't feel much pressure in my pelvis, but I can certainly breathe easier. My OB said that babies don't really "drop" they often just sort of shift, and many women don't feel anything more than what you describe. I guess "lightening" is the correct word! I had wondered if it wasn't some wrong-headed term to make pregnant women feel better when they actually felt worse.

Nothing to report here either, baby is moving a lot though.

[Kafri]

Think mine is quite content where s/he is. Not holding out much hope for my 'home for Xmas' ideal.

Off to consultant shortly to see what she has to say - all my PE symptoms are 'creeping up' as my MW puts it. Starting to fret a bit now which I know isn't too good for me but I've come too far now not to start fretting now things are not so hunky dory.

[Phineyj]

I am 38+5 and recognise many of these symptoms! The baby's head has been down in my pelvis for absolutely ages now I am sure I can feel the grinding of bone against bone does anyone else have this -- it is sharp, ouch! I have NO idea when things might happen. I was given 3 different due dates...

[aimingtobeaperfectionist]

I only knew as I couldn't face eating a thing and had eaten like a horse all pregnancy.

[MelonThroughaLemon]

Hmmm on the eating front I keep forgetting to eat! And it doesn't seem to bother me, but when I do eat I swallow it all up! I'm actually sleeping better with less trips to the loo than throughout the whole pregnancy...who'd have thought these last few days would be so strange! Fingers still crossed for everyone x

[MmmnoodlesoupIsDueXmasEve]

When have you all been offered your first sweep?