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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Period type pains 40 weeks

56 replies

coneywonder · 08/07/2015 20:31

Hi ladies,

I am 40 weeks today and despite people telling me ill just know I was wondering whether your labours started with period type pains? Been having them on and off since 2pm and before today they have been continuous pains but today they are intermittent and I think they are getting more painful.

Am I just getting my hopes up?

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ThomasRichard · 08/07/2015 20:34

It sounds hopeful! I suggest a warm bath, 2 paracaetemol and an early night.

Appleblossom82 · 08/07/2015 20:37

Or maybe bounce on a birthing ball (if you have one) to encourage things along? Exciting! X

coneywonder · 08/07/2015 20:43

I am bouncing away. Ah I hope it is it!

thomas I heard a bath slows things down? Did this work for you?

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howtodrainyourflagon · 08/07/2015 20:45

yup - this is exactly what labour felt like to me. Welcome to motherhood. Get the best sleep you can tonight as it's probably the last unbroken one for a while :)

BikeRunSki · 08/07/2015 20:46

Sounds exactly like early labour to me Grin. Have fun!

Appleblossom82 · 08/07/2015 20:46

Good luck coney!

Psycobabble · 08/07/2015 20:46

Grr hated all that youl just know bollox !

Other than my water breaking ( kind of a clue Grin ) I only had period like cramps and I believe I was about 5cm dilated at that point

Sounds promising . Congrats !!

QuiteLikely5 · 08/07/2015 20:47

Baths can slow labour. Avoid for now!

Keep us posted. I'm excited for you Smile

ThomasRichard · 08/07/2015 20:49

I have no idea, that's just what my MW told me to do :o I didn't.

Piffpaffpoff · 08/07/2015 20:49

I was induced and both times the first sign of things starting was slight period-style cramps, which slowly but surely ramped up into full contractions after about 8hrs/2hrs respectively.

Best of luck, sounds like you're on your way!!!

coneywonder · 08/07/2015 21:01

Thanks ladies your all lovely. I really hope this is the start of things. Think I will get an early night. Does it matter that they aren't really painful? Sometimes they are but mostly just cramps. Exactly like being on your period really!

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MrsFogi · 08/07/2015 21:05

Totally sounds like early labour - I sat down and watched a film at this stage thinking "this doesn't seem too bad".

coneywonder · 08/07/2015 21:07

Oh really? I'm trying not to get my hopes up here cause it just doesn't seem like its painful enough. They are just niggly really.

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mrstweefromtweesville · 08/07/2015 21:07

oh, wow! how exciting! walking about is supposed to get/keep things moving. good luck!

caffiene99 · 08/07/2015 21:09

This was exactly how my labour started too! I was able to get a good nights sleep but woke up early the next day with stronger and more regular cramps/contractions. When that got painful I had a bath and then stayed home until the contractions were a bit closer and the pain harder to handle

Appleblossom82 · 08/07/2015 21:09

Up and down stairs sideways (but be careful!), walking, bouncing, circle your hips. Should all help things along.

Oooh i am so excited!!

coneywonder · 08/07/2015 21:11

Ah ladies it's so nice to be able to get advice and get cheered on.

I'm on my ball now I'm just worried it's not the real thing cause I'll be so dissapointed.

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caffiene99 · 08/07/2015 21:12

P.S. Good luck!
I also wouldn't worry too much about it not being painful / I vaguely remember thinking the same thing at the start too!!

Highlandbird · 08/07/2015 21:13

That's just how mine started both times.....brings it all back reading this! They just felt like period pains but gradually got stronger and more intense until they were painful and that was full on labour. Try and get some sleep....good luck!! Smile

coneywonder · 08/07/2015 21:14

Thank you :) ill keep you posted

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Loiterer · 08/07/2015 21:15

That sounds like my labour! Don't pace and walk about too much now, save your energy for later when you'll need it. A bath and some paracetamol will help. Good luck!

Whatabout · 08/07/2015 21:18

It could be early / latent stages or could be just slightly more uncomfortable Braxton hicks. At this point it could stop or ramp up, labour is an odd beast! Try to relax and ignore as much as you can and don't be disappointed if it comes to nothing. Not long now in any way!

coneywonder · 08/07/2015 21:29

Thank you. I think I will try and ignore them and go to sleep. I haven't had braxton hicks I don't think throughout this pregnancy so it could well be them but if I'm perfectly honest it just feels like period pain and they are in my thighs too

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applecore0317 · 08/07/2015 21:34

timed my period pains for an hour and a half on my contraction app and they were pretty regular, got up to go loo and my waters started going then proper contractions :) Fingers crossed for you :D

Appleblossom82 · 08/07/2015 21:36

Sleep is probably the best plan for now if you can.