Contractions started 30 mins after sweep - is this normal?

[emmabrown123]

Hi all

I'm 41+1 with DS2 (DS 1 was an elective section so have never experienced labour).

Had a sweep at 40+1 - no effect as cervix closed.

Had another sweep today from the consultant - cervix was 1cm dilated and soft.

Bled a fair bit post sweep and lost plug. 30 mins after started getting contractions. They're every 7 mins, painful, but I can breathe through them.

Just wondering if this is 'it' or whether the sweep has just stirred things up. Have had various contractions over the week and they have all died off after a while.

My childcare (PIL) live an hour away and I don't know when to call them!!

I started having contractions within half an hour after my sweep (done at 37 weeks) on a Monday morning

I contracted on and off all day and didn't actually give birth until Wednesday night.

So it might be or it might not. See how it goes

I'd call your pil. Mine was similar but not as quick. Sweep, blood, plug, contractions, baby! Good luck!

Aww sounds promising. I can't comment on sweeps as nothing ever happened after I had a sweep... But... As soon as I lost the mucus plug labour started, happened with all 3 of mine. I cant advise on timings for you though because all mine were very quick labours but this isn't typical of most women. If I were you I would give maternity unit a phone and start proper timing the contractions. Good luck.

Oh, and call PIL now!

Sounds like it's started things off for you. Good luck.

I had one at 40+6 and it started off within an hr, baby born 4hrs later!

Wow 4 hours is quick!!

Giving it another hour to see if they carry on as still not convinced. They don't seem painful enough. Worst part is the back pain that's coming with them but TENS is helping that.

I'm bloody terrified!!

Call them! You might be labouring in your back. I did- much worse in my back than my tummy. Dd was back to back.

With DS2 the doc ruptured my waters during the sweep. Contractions started about 23:00 that night. DS was born 21:00 the following night. Clearly not in a big rush! I was 40 + 4.

You're very far along, sweep or no sweep it was likely going to start soon! I'd assume it's probably on its way. Good luck. Go for a poo now....

Have called, they said to stay at home for now as they aren't long enough or strong enough for it to be established labour. Can wait at home till they're at least 3 mins apart.

Took some Paracetamol and turned the TENS up. Have warned PIL - they want to drive over now but can't stand the thought of having them round while I'm in labour!!!

How are you doing op?

Contractions just stopped around 11ish them have been sporadic all night. So pissed off with my body, it's like it doesn't know what to do. At the minute I just want to cry. Or punch something!!!

Contractions are back again this evening!! Wondering whether they'll progress this time. Pretty much the same as yesterday so far...

Good luck!

Keep walking around op. Hope this is it.

Do you have a ball to bounce on?

Yes! Do you think that might keep them going? I'm so sure they're just going to stop again!!

Spend lots of time on your hands and knees and walk about. Both these can help baby into a good position which may help things along. Lots of women have start stop early labours though so it's perfectly normal. Make sure you have periods resting too as it can be very tiring when it's like this

How are you doing Emma?

Trying and failing to get some sleep! Contractions coming every 10 mins or so at the mo - basically every time I start drifting off. Hoping it's a good sign that they haven't disappear completely like they did last night.

Always thought labour would be painful but never considered how exhausting it might be. Fingers crossed he might make an appearance today!!

Have you had a walk around? Try and bring things on a bit?.

I was knackered whilst in labour but once baby is here Im wide awake again.

Fingers crossed for you.

Trying to stay mobile and do a bit of pottering. Was trying to lie down and sleep but have given up on that!
DH is off work today so might try a longer walk if they're not progressing.
At the mo they're still every 10 mins or so but definitely more painful than they have been. Going to whack the TENS on and see if that helps!!

Sorry for the constant updates but need more advice!!

Contractions still 10-15 mins apart. Sat this morning on the edge of the bed (no clothes on) talking to DH. Got up and there was a wet patch about 10cm by 10cm - clear with some mucusy bits (sorry if TMI!!!). Could this be leaking waters. Lost my plug and have been losing mucus regularly. I smelled it (sorry again TMI!!) and it's definitely not wee.

Also had a bit of fresh red blood when I wiped after the loo.

My gut is saying phone labour suite, going to get DS1 ready and take him to nursery then give them a ring.

Any thoughts?

Yes, call labour suite, might be waters.
Good luck!! Very exciting, you'll be fine. At least it's a bit cooler for you today.

Yeah that could be waters - they'll tell you to us a pad and bring it with you. Then they'll test. I hadn't had contractions by this point but they told me to go home for 24 hours. Then got me in for induction.