"False labour" episodes from 34wks (2nd pg)

[BirdsAndBlips]

It's my 2nd DC, I'm 34wks and I've had 3 episodes of "false labour" so far within the last week (strong but manageable and not regular period pain like contractions for 2/3 hours), leaving me exhausted and discouraged. I don't want to give birth now but I've had a very short labour with DS1 (2,5hrs) so I'm constantly worried I'll have DS2 going to the loo (I appreciate it can be seen as a privilege too). I'm tired, it's difficult to organised care for DS1 at short notice and basically I've had enough... I saw the MW on Monday, cervix is long, high and strong.
Is it something that happens with 2nd pg (DS1 is "only" 16mths)? Can it last 6 more weeks?!
Thanks for sharing your experience.

I have been having this from 29 weeks, now 36 weeks also with DC2. Happens about once a week and each time I get more and more convinced its the real thing. My midwife has said it is all normal but I know its can be quite worrying at the time especially with having a short labour with DC1 (my first was 4.5 hrs).

So no real advice but just wanted to let you know you aren't the only one.

I had this with DC2,3 and 4. DC2 was born just over a week overdue and DC3 and DC4 were born at 37 and a bit and 39 weeks.

It was annoying and very tiring. Worse with DC3 as it was daily from 31 weeks until he was born. I was carrying too much fluid with him though and he was a big baby so it was expected I wouldn't reach full term. I was monitored twice weekly.

and for you. Get your feet up as much as you can with a little one.

Oh cosmic thank you it's actually quite heartwarming knowing I'm not the only one! I just want to get to 37wks so that I'm not super worried if it happens super fast and I don't have time to go to hospital... Hang in there, you're almost done :)

Thanks notso DH took a break from his WFH day to take DS1 to the park so I can have a little MN pity party.

Completely agree - I keep telling myself just get to 37 weeks and then if it happens I wont be as panicky!

I had it with dd1 from 26 weeks she was born very quickly at 41 weeks and with dd2 from 30 weeks she was born at 38 from an induction!