Confused! Are these contractions?

[Rhibeetee]

I'm feeling a lot of pain... As if baby is pushing down as hard as he can. I can barely stand while it happens...
It's not how I remember contractions starting. It's strange...but I've been induced with my 2 previous pregnancies.

Can contractions feel this way? Like I say, it's as if he's pushing as hard as he can, down. It's excruciating pain coupled with an almost stitch like feeling in my hips. It's happened twice so far, 9 mins apart. I'm standing to encourage it, even if he's just fully engaging, at least it's something!

Has anyone experienced anything like this?

If it diesn't feel "right" - then does sound like contractions. Mine with DS felt very "low" down period pains. The fact that they are coming periodically also suggests it's time to check your bag is packed and babysitter in their way over.

Good luck

Hmmm...

How many weeks are you?

I haven't caught a good In-Labour thread in ages.

39+4....
They seem to be subsiding...not excruciating now, just uncomfy. I wonder if he's just become fully engaged?!
It bloody hurt, whatever he was doing!

I so wish I could give you ladies a live birth thread!
I wish i was going into labour!

I'm having a big fat sulk now! Hmpf!!

Aw bummer, I never am up late enough nowadays.

Probably a shot across the bow for U though, Got your hospital bag all packed?

I've been having awful pressure too like you describe. almost like head is grinding down into pelvis kind of thing. its worse when I've been waling and has come and gone.
My 3rd pregnancy too and am past due date.
I know subsequent babies can engage just before or in labour so it sounds like a good sign!

I've been packed and ready for weeks!
I always thought my due date was today, even if the scan says 5th so I would have loved for it all to kick off tonight.

I'm just really hopeful that if things don't progress, he'll be low enough and causing enough softening and dilation to have a successful sweep.

It's so odd that the bearing down pain came 5 times (in total) with 9 mins between each! Now I'm just having period pains and teeny tightenings..but I am lying on my left side...not that I suppose it would make a difference. My back was getting achy standing on a wooden floor!!

do you feel like an update?

Baby is still really low. Due for a sweep at 2.30 today and have decided if there's nothing promising happening I will ask for induction this week.
Periody pains are still coming and although I feel they're gradually getting stronger, I can't be sure.

I'm pretty fed up now, ready for him to be born!

How are you all doing?

Cervix high and closed :(
I feel so disheartened now. The midwife won't even think of induction for another 12 days.
I'm totally fed up! These pains are obviously doing nothing. She even said the baby isn't engaged?! The woman is crazy!!!

I've got my first appt about induction tomorrow where hoping to get a sweep. I Will be 41 weeks tomorrow.
just hoping something is happening down there!
I've got to the stage where I'm almost forgetting reality and I should be giving birth soon!

Rhine, some babies don't engage until labour especially if not your first. I know how deflated you feelthough xx

you don't want induction if cervix is not ready; at least anecdotally it's a risky path to take.

Try to enjoy the last of your newborn-free time. :)

Yes!!!! Progress ladies! Just lost my mucus plug!!
Even though I know this can happen a while before labour, I'm finding it so encouraging!
Dull lower back ache too... Hopefully there will be no induction after all!!!

ooh :) ..... (lining up the knitting needles & mugs now)

Oooh (pulls up seat) hope this is the start for you rhibeetee, maybe this will turn into the live thread after all!!

Oh I hope so!
I'm going to have a lovely warm shower as soon as DS1&2 go to bed.

It's so strange...I've been such a mother hen tonight. Log fire on, hot choc and biscuits, all snuggled on the sofa, nipped for a wee and boom! Yay!

Needless to say, I am now bouncing on the ball, relatively violently...let's see if I can hit the ceiling :)

Sounds promising!

Any news? It's so exciting!

I've had 5 'tightenings' in the last hour. Nothing overly uncomfy or painful yet...
A few stabbing pains in the old fanjo and still have lower back pressure.
I'm going to bed after Masterchef and I'm just praying that contractions wake me up in the night!
I'm so ready for this baby :)

Any news OP? I am gunning for you here, really hope you get your bouncing baby today!

Hi op any news yet? X

If there's any progress at all, it's the slow kind...
I was up a few times in the night with pains, they were what felt like contractions starting but seem to have eased off a bit this morning. Still stronger than any I've had up to now though.
I'm keeping positive, trying to stay relaxed and have plans to carry on with today as normal (which basically means cleaning)

Think my body is getting ready for a clear out so it's looking good at the moment.

Think DH was a bit miffed that he had to go to work today, he's become super excited to meet the baby since yesterday. It's only taken 9 months to sink in for him! :0

You sound so calm! Good luck, hope that the baby doesn't leave you waiting for too long