Could I be in early labour?

[butterflylove16]

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone could please help?

I'm 37&3 with my first, & wondering if I'm perhaps in early labour. This past few days my braxton hicks have been a lot stronger & more frequent, & my midwife told me the other day dd is very low & fully engaged. Anyway, I've not felt myself since this morning, & since about 2pm I have felt really crampy. About every 20 mins my belly goes really tight & the the cramping gets stronger, & it feels more intense than my previous braxton hicks. I've been like this for hours, but I don't know if I'm just being silly, especially as I don't think I've lost my mucus plug (sorry if tmi!), although I have generally been having some more discharge.

I understand that this isn't a substitute for a medical opinion, I was just wondering what people think as I don't want to waste the midwife's time.

Thank you :)

Just a little update - yesterday night time my possible contractions got really strong, I called the assessment centre & the midwife told me to have paracetamol & a bath (apparently if my body isn't ready the bath will slow them down & I can rest, if I was ready it would help them to become stronger & more frequent). Anyway, after a while they calmed down & I was able to get some sleep about 3 1/2 hours. But, I haven't felt dd move since yesterday evening when she had been really active, & I now just have strong period type cramps so Dh & I have to get the hospital soon for a check. I'm sure everything is fine with dd, I would just like some reassurance.

I don't really remember feeling DD move throughout labour so don't worry. You're right to get checked though as you never know, plus they'll be able to work out if it is labour or not! Good luck, very exciting!

Thank you they monitored me & dd isn't moving as much as they'd like, so we went & had some lunch & a little walk & are now waiting for them to monitor us again.

good on you for getting checked.

good luck butterfly hope today is your day to meet your baby x

Good luck hope all goes ok for you

Thanks everyone!
When we came back her movements were stronger & the midwife & doctor were happy, I think she just couldn't be bothered the first time bless her! She isn't much of a morning person like her daddy.

I'm still having cramping & tightening but not quite as strong as before, the midwife thinks my body is preparing itself & will still be a few more days. Although I'm glad dd's movements picked up, I can't help but feel a little disheartened that things have slowed down. Still I'm sure that these tightenings have a purpose & hopefully just a few more days.

Good luck, keep us posted!

Any news ?

I wish Doingitover! Everything seems to have just slowed down, I still get the tightening's but it's just not consistent like it was. The midwife told me on Saturday she thought it would only be a couple of days, but I guess they only know so much as labour can be so unpredictable. Never mind, she'll come when she's ready I just hope she's ready soon haha!

Good luck

Ha ha, well fingers crossed keep us updated. I'm 35 weeks so not too far behind you. My first was c-section 11 years ago at 38 weeks I'm going in at 39 weeks for section this time. But I keep worrying that I might go sooner and not know what labour feels like . So I'm keeping a close eye on your posts so I know the signs

Hi everyone just a little update! I'm now 39+1, & ny waters broke this morning at 6:25. O actually slept pretty well, then woke up to go to the bathroom. As I was walking back to bed I felt was I just thought was Braxton hicks contractions, then as I was climbing into bed my waters broke. I'm not in pain or anything right now, just eating some cheerios with banana & sultanas! The hospital said to get there within the hour when I called, although I'm pretty sure my waters have just gone quite early as I don't have super strong contractions. I'm just trying to stay calm as I want my oxytocin levels high to help the labour to progress. Just thought I'd update you all! It was such a surprise, but I'm very happy

Ooohhhh good luck OP!

Exciting! Love how your waters couldn't have broken in the bathroom but waited til you were back in bed

Have you chosen a name for DD yet?

Keep thinking those happy thoughts!

Good luck!!! How exciting

Good luck

Good luck! x

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKK - Good luck xxx

Good luck op. Baby will be here soon. Midwives will be hoping that contractions get going soon otherwise they will probably want to induce you. Send us an update later, you'll do great I'm sure.

Good luck!
When my waters broke labour really got going about 12 hours later so eat plenty and rest when you can.

Good luck!

Good luck! My waters broke after 12 hours of on-off contractions and contractions really ramped up about an hour after waters breaking. We took our time getting to hospital and probably cut it a bit fine!! Hope your labour has got going now, sending you lots of relaxing vibes!! :) X