39 + 6 weeks pregnant, 1st baby, has a show this morning

[Shasha123]

I was having frequent braxton hicks without pain. But since last night started to have painful ones for 20-30 seconds every 5 minutes and then 30-40 seconds every 2 minutes. Every part below the boobs started to get more painful until about 6 am this morning. After that it slowed down and started having mild pains and had a show at 9:40 am this morning. Anyone experienced similar situation and went into labour, if so after how long? Now I am just alert all the time, thinking is it happening now or will it happen tonight and cannot focus on anything. If you share your experience, would be helpful. Thanks!

I think you are in labour! Have you rung the the labour ward??

Sounds like things are getting going and you could be in the early stages, going for a walk might help it along or if you have a ball bouncing/rocking is a good idea.

You could call the labour wards but I expect they will say stay at home eat, rest, take a bath and call once you have a regular pattern of contractions every 3-4 min lasting 1 min.

Good luck hope it's the start for you.

Sounds like the start! Exciting good luck xxx

I am planning for water birth at home so midwife visited me this morning and had regular check up. She said everything is normal and heading to right direction and labour can happen any time or might even take weeks.
But I am curious to know how many of had to wait for weeks and how many went to labour soon.

I had low level pains on and off all Sunday and a bit of a show but not much since.
With my first I had the first pains and show then went into full on labour giving birth 6 hrs after it started, so it can be so different person to person and even with each pregnancy

20:38 had another dark show and mild contraction started again lasting 30 to 40 seconds but came in irregular time.

My contractions were irregular from the start and didn't last longer than a minute and the half. I went to the hospital anyway and was 4cm dilated. They were quite strong though. I think you're in the early stages, good luck!!

I was expecting something to happen last night but nothing except frequent cramps and mild contraction??? (painful braxton hicks). Couldn't lie down on bed or sleep at all. I was just sitting on my nursing chair with eyes closed or walking all around the house and frequent trip to the loo. Very uncomfortable and tired. Oh gosh! after all those 39 + weeks, still have to deal with this? So frustrating. I can't wait to hold my baby :(

It doesn't sound like it'll be long now. The end but if pregnancy is the worst - you just want to meet your baby like you say.

It's exciting! Do you know if you're having a girl or boy?

Things sound like they are moving, I don't think it will be long!!

@BifsWif I am having a girl :) It's my first one so very excited.

Ahh wow! I have an 8 week old girl

Congratulations and I hope she doesn't keep you waiting much longer

Anything happening Op?

Day 3 after the show, having mild but irregular contractions. Bought a paramol to keep me calm from pain during contraction. At 2am I had a watery discharge about a tablespoon, thought it might be water breaking, this morning MW visited and confirmed its not water breaking but might be discharge. Had regular check up, she said she might come any time. But now contractions decreased. I didn't know it would take such a long time after all those numerous braxton hicks and mild contractions. Sleepless night as well for 4 nights continuously, very exhausted and bit disappointed. Wondering how long it will take more. So tired of these mild contractions.

Hmm yeah that does sound frustrating! Hope you get some rest tonight

still no baby, after all that and tomorrow is the due date. I guess she is trying to be punctual :)

Try not to take paracetamol as it can make this early stage of labour last longer. Go and walk as much as you can, stay upright or on all fours and try to get a little bit of sleep if only some naps, good luck! Does sound like things are starting!

@ovumahead Thanks very much for your advice! I have stopped taking paracetamol or paramol. Started using tens machine. The pain is so constant 24 hours now, can't even tell when the contraction came and gone. I am having very hard time. I heard first mums take about maximum 12 to 48 hours of labour. I thought this time also include all 3 stages of labour and that's end of child birth but for me it's been like 4 days of misery. Each day getting worst and worst. I didn't expect this coming. I was so excited when I had a show but .........

I had a similar experience in my first labour. Really really important that you get yourself mentally and physically into a space where you feel safe and calm, labour is a very psychological as well as physical process and your hormones will all work better if you can relax. Try some slow, calm breathing. Listen to some positive birth affirmations. There are probably lots on YouTube. You can do this. Tensing and resisting the process will just draw it out more. Your body knows what to do. Slow seep breaths, a warm bath, a back rub, something to eat, something to drink, tell yourself you are safe and well and all will be well.

@ovumahead Thanks again! I completely agree with you. Have been having mild to moderate contractions from 1:45 am and it's still going on. Sometimes 1 in 10 and sometimes 3 in ten minutes. Don't know why it doesn't escalate to strong contractions and regular contractions though. May be exhaustion!

Not only sleep but haven't lied on bed for 5 nights now, no proper sleep. My bump is enormous and lying on bed has been impossible. Have been eating and drinking well though. How did you get proper contractions at the end?

I had a similar experience. Perhaps you could try some nipple stimulation to get your contractions coming a bit more frequently.

Also remember some women never have totally regular contractions. You're having contractions though, which is brilliant! Your body is working hard. I would call the labour ward today and explain what's been happening, and that you're exhausted, and get some advice (but remember no paracetamol !) really good luck

Like ovum said some women never have totally regular contractions I never did any of my 3 labours in fact the first time they weren't entirely convinced I was in active labour until another examination showed I was fully dilated.
The stop start is frustrating just try and remember that all of this is doing something your body is working to get your baby out and in your arms.
You really don't have long to wait now and it really is all worth it.

My first was similar. Went on for 5 days!
Keep walking then resting, try to keep your strength up but also stay active.

It's so frustrating but it won't be forever

Are you keeping in touch with your midwife? My contractions with ds never got regular. Found out at ten cm dilation that he was footling breach.

Good luck, I hope your little girl is with you soon.