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!!

On the way to the hospital to get checked...

How are you doing op?

Get rotating on a ball rather than bouncing as it keeps baby on the cervix and gets labour progressing.

Ps hope all goes well. Fx

Ooo exciting! Good luck op

Sweep at 3:00pm Thursday, first contraction 6:30pm Thursday. Baby born 1:15pm Friday.

I was 38 weeks, but 'ready to go' according to GP. This was in the Dark Ages by the way.

Good luck OP.

Eeek good luck

Waters haven't gone - they think it was just more watery plug. Cervix still only 2cm dilated :(
Contractions are definitely more painful but still not regular enough. Back home with TENS on and bouncing on my ball. Feel there may still be a way to go!!

He's really making you wait isn't he?!

Nothing helpful to add as mine all came in the 39th week but wanted to say...good luck!! How exciting

Me again!! Still at home. Contractions painful and lasting 1 - 1 1/2 mins now but still only every 6 minutes. Using TENS and had some Paracetamol.

Any other ideas for pain relief I can try at home. It bloody hurts!!!!

If the pain is getting too much go to the hospital

call a mw out and get some g&a

Warm bath might help emma. Also an orgasm (but I appreciate that might not be first in your mind).

Listening to your favorite music

Small glass of wine?

I'd say a bath for relief but personally if they are that close and lasting that long, I'd go hospital. Things at this stage progress quickly (in my personal experience) I think saying to wait till they are just a minute or two apart is pushing it too long! Ring your labour ward and tell them, they'll probably invite you in.

Thanks ladies - terrified of going in and still not being anymore dilated and being sent home again. Will try a warm bath for a bit and see if that helps.

Best of luck I do think you'll be ok to go in by now though!

How you doing?

Definitely go in if pains are too much.

Good luck. It's Sooooo exciting.

You've been niggling for days. This is quite common. You might find bath helps but of course lack of tens will ramp up pain.

Are PIL there? Nearby?

Good luck it could suddenly go really quickly after 5cm so I'd get your pil there now.

Been admitted to the ward now. Having strong contractions every 2-3 mins on the monitor but still not really dilating.

Having to be monitored due to it being a VBAC and contractions being so strong and close together. Have managed to get some Paracetamol & a birthing ball from the midwife so that's a plus!!

Exciting!

At least things are moving in the right direction! Are you feeling okay?

I'm so glad your at hospital now, been worrying for you not getting there on time! Hope things progress smoothly now