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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Am I in labour??

40 replies

Babybee88 · 19/07/2017 06:09

Sorry for the perhaps silly question but I'm a FTM and have no idea if I'm in labour or my body is just gearing up for the big event Blush

I'm 39+2, been having lower tummy cramps for about 4 hours. I've been timing them for just over an hour and they seem to be coming every 4-10 mins, most of them lasting around 60 seconds each. Thing is, they're painful, like quite a bad period pain, but they're not THAT bad. Just not sure whether it's labour or not as I've not lost my mucus plug and waters haven't broken yet. I've read elsewhere that you can get false labour contractions days or even weeks before giving birth.

Does this sound like the beginning of labour, should I phone the hospital to see what they say? Again, sorry if I sound daft! Blush

OP posts:
essieestherson · 19/07/2017 06:15

I'd phone the hospital to be sure. With my second I was having regular contractions for 3-4 hours, not really painful just uncomfortable. I called out the midwife and
I was 6cm.

My baby was born a couple of hours later.
My water only broke and lost my mucas plug 10 minutes before baby was here..

Good luck!

Original poster
Babybee88 · 19/07/2017 08:03

Thank you! Hospital don't want to see me yet but said it sounds like early labour, contractions still 5-10 mins apart. Hope this is the real deal!

OP posts:
leannejade · 19/07/2017 08:06

Good luck!!

Cuckingfunt1981 · 19/07/2017 08:09

Sounds like pre labour and babies head engaging . They will be regular and last a good 60 seconds . They will also be WORSE than bad period pain and will take your breath away . I always phoned hospital when pains were regular and made me hold onto the wall and unable to talk through a pain . I have had 4 dcs and I also work on a midwife led birthing unit and if you rang our unit and told us over the phone this story we would ask you to stay home and wait till pains are more regular and a bit more intense. Sounds like head going into pelvis pain but obviously over the internet we can't be sure so if you are worried ring your midwife. Good luck

Cuckingfunt1981 · 19/07/2017 08:09

Oooops just seen ya last message

mammabear4 · 19/07/2017 08:12

Think you've already been given good advice and obviously you've already spoken to midwives so just wanted to say good luck! Please check back and let us know!

Original poster
Babybee88 · 19/07/2017 09:03

Thanks everyone Smile tried lying down to get some rest but think this is making the contractions worse? Also when you're having a contraction, does it cause a lot of pain in your bowel?

OP posts:
SprinkleOfInsanity · 19/07/2017 09:41

The pain in the bowel could be you preparing to empty out, which is quite common before going in to labour. Excited for you! You could try a warm bath to help ease the contractions Flowers

Topsyloulou · 19/07/2017 09:58

When I was in labour with DS I found walking helped, lying down made the pain far worse. Good luck!

Cuckingfunt1981 · 19/07/2017 10:39

Sounds positional if it only hurts when laying down . I think baby is getting itself in a good position deep in pelvis which is why your feeling twinges in your bowel when lying down xx

Original poster
Babybee88 · 19/07/2017 10:54

It hurts no matter what position I'm in but is even worse when lying down. Contractions now around 4 mins apart lasting around 60 secs... I can't talk through them. It's been almost 9 hours now, could this really just be baby engaging? Confused thanks for everyone's replies so far!

OP posts:
kathrynelizabeth3005 · 19/07/2017 11:07

This sounds like early labour and like you're dilating (possibly quite rapidly!)

If you're unable to talk through the contractions it really is best to phone the hospital and tell them (don't ask) you're coming in to be examined. I'm betting you get there and will be quite dilated already!

Phone them now OP! Good luck Flowers

dippypanda · 19/07/2017 11:46

Good luck Flowers

I can't offer any advice as I didn't go into natural labour with my 1st but it all sounds very positive Smile

Cuckingfunt1981 · 19/07/2017 11:55

Only way to know is to go into be examined. We can't tell you if your in labour . Ring hospital and get checked over . Good luck

Justhadmyhaircut · 19/07/2017 11:58

Op you need to be upright not resting!! Gravity and all that!!
When I suspected early labour signs I hoovered the whole house and it def got things going!! Good luck!!

skinnyamericano · 19/07/2017 12:00

Sounds like it's happening! Have you got a ball to bounce on? I loved that. Or a gentle walk?

Original poster
Babybee88 · 19/07/2017 12:01

Been bouncing on my ball, on way to hospital now

OP posts:
GlitterSparkles17 · 19/07/2017 12:04

Sounds like early labour to me! Good luck!

When I was pregnant with my 1st I didn't have a clue I'd spent the night sleepless and in labour I just assumed I had a stomach ache, wasn't until the next morning when I told my mum she informed me it was in fact labour and not a stomach ache!

CatsCatsCats11 · 19/07/2017 12:30

Good luck op!

jitterbug5 · 19/07/2017 12:44

Awww good luck OP!

Cuckingfunt1981 · 19/07/2017 13:50

Let us know how u get on

WaitroseCoffeeCostaCup · 19/07/2017 13:57

With my third and fourth I went in with almost painless cramps that were 3-4 mins apart. Baby 3 I was 7 cm when I arrived, baby 4 8cm! They both arrived shortly after we got to the hospital! Every labour is different, my second was pain free throughout, even pushing!

inspiredbutohsotired · 19/07/2017 21:54

How you doing OP? Do we have a baby!?

Original poster
Babybee88 · 20/07/2017 07:39

Thanks everyone for your messages Smile I was 4cm dilated when we got to hospital yesterday and our beautiful baby girl was born at 00:38 this morning weighing 8lb 1oz after a very tough labour! So exhausted but so happy Smile

OP posts:
WhyNotDuckie · 20/07/2017 07:44

Yay! Well done! Congratulations lb the birth of your beautiful babySmile