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Original poster

35+3...labour or not? What to do

20 replies

PatMullins · 11/02/2015 12:45

For the last 5 days I've been having regular contractions, back and thigh pain, baby has dropped down and I feel generally shit.

On day 3 I called the hospital, they were reluctant to see me but did anyway- before going onto the monitor, the midwife sounded quite exasperated and kept repeating they were probably Braxton Hicks (this is not my first baby, I do know what they feel like!)
Contractions were coming every 8 minutes

After 2.5 hours I was internally examined by 2 doctors but neither could tell me if I was dilating?
I was then sent home on the advice to call back if the contractions became more painful- only trouble is I didn't have painful contractions last time until my waters were manually broken at 6cm. They just seem to be continuing in the same way.

I'm so sore and miserable, I don't know what my next step should be.
I've tried baths, massage, paracetamol but to no avail

Any advice? Sad just fancied a moan really

OP posts:
Original poster
PatMullins · 11/02/2015 12:48

Forgot to add

Before my examination I went to the toilet and had streaks of red blood on the tissue
I told the doctors once they came in and they laughed Sad

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NoRoomForALittleOne · 11/02/2015 12:58

Are they getting more regular? Are you well hydrated? Is anything helping them to ease off?

Rosieliveson · 11/02/2015 13:00

Angry not sure why the medical staff are being so awful. If you really feel you need checking and they are reluctant then ust fib a little and say it's very painful. Better safe than sorry imo

Mrscog · 11/02/2015 13:10

Um, that sounds terrible OP. Is your community midwife nice? Could you call her for advice?

weelamb123 · 11/02/2015 13:16

God some medical staff are just awful......If ur not dilating then they wont admit u but if they couldn't tell u that then they couldn't have checked properly! Yea I agree with rosieliveson, just lie and say ur in agony. Good luck xx

Schoolaroundthecorner · 11/02/2015 13:18

Yes go back and exaggerate a bit if you have too until they reassure you properly things aren't moving along yet or you find you actually are in labour/dilating.

Schoolaroundthecorner · 11/02/2015 13:19

*to not too

OhMjh · 11/02/2015 13:22

Ring again and hassle them, don't be fobbed off as you're not term yet. If you have to, I wouldn't usually advocate this but claim you've got reduced movements so they take you seriously. Either that or go to another hospital if there's one close by - it's appalling that you've been treated like that.

Original poster
PatMullins · 11/02/2015 13:31

Thank you for all go your replies- I just came off the phone to my midwife who was also shocked at how they were with me and told me to complain
She said if I need to stop what I'm doing to breathe through any then definitely go back, but if I'm still concerned to go back regardless. She's very kind.

I've been eating and drinking as normal, last night they came every 5-7 mins but to be honest I've given up timing them as I was driving myself mad! Midwife said to try 10 minute slots, so if there are 2 in any 10 minutes then call them.

I don't even know what I'm expecting to be honest, I just wanted someone to take my concerns seriously- especially considering I'm pre-term!

Just had a shower and I had a shooting sharp pain down very low that made me yelp- I've had the fanny daggers before but that was something else

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AugustRose · 11/02/2015 13:47

Please go back to the hospital and don't take no for an answer. Tell them you have spoken to your community midwife who told you to come in if you are concerned. They cannot force you to leave and you should be monitored and examined again until you are reassured. I get very angry too at the lack of care some people get.

BumWad · 11/02/2015 13:51

"I wouldn't usually advocate this but claim you've got reduced movements so they take you seriously."

Please don't do this OP. It takes the piss out of women who really do have reduced movements. I hope you get sorted soon Flowers

Original poster
PatMullins · 11/02/2015 15:01

I won't claim reduced movements- if anything he goes crazy with each contraction

Pain is so subjective, but I am having to breathe through the peak of some. I've had a little cry too.

I have my DD tonight and feel awful that I'll be so useless.

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Showy · 11/02/2015 15:07

Have you been checked for a uti? Is the blood possibly in your urine? This does need ruling out too. Utis cause pain, contractions and a feeling of being ill.

Original poster
PatMullins · 11/02/2015 15:10

I did a urine sample at the hospital but nothing came back

Haven't been timing how long they've been lasting but have been writing down the times of recent ones-

35+3...labour or not? What to do
OP posts:
Mrscog · 11/02/2015 15:37

That's 4-6 mins between contractions, even if they're mild, combined with your other symptoms I think it's worthy of more investigation, especially as if you are in labour it is pre-term.

NoRoomForALittleOne · 11/02/2015 15:40

Just go and get checked even if it is purely for peace of mind. They are becoming more frequent and uncomfortable. You will regret it if you end up giving birth at home at 35 weeks because you didn't want to bother lanour ward.

Original poster
PatMullins · 11/02/2015 16:35

Midwife called me back and told me to call triage again- I did so and they've told me to come in with my hospital bag. Seems like they are taking me more seriously this time which is nice Smile

I really appreciate all of your replies, I've been in tears today feeling like an idiot!

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TakingTheStairs · 11/02/2015 16:42

Best of luck Pat. I went into labour at 35+3 and presumed it was Braxton hicks. It wasn't. DS needed a little extra care for a few days for coming early but he's a right as rain now.
I hope you get seen to properly

Original poster
PatMullins · 11/02/2015 17:00

Thanks Taking, that's really reassuring

I'm really hoping it's not labour obviously, but I need to know either way
DP is just on his way back and then I'll be on my way Smile

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AugustRose · 11/02/2015 17:06

Good luck with everything and hope you can get some proper care now. You shouldn't feel like an idiot, now is when you need to be looked after :)

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