Is this the latent phase or am I going crazy?

[SidSparrow]

So I'm 40 weeks and 2 days... FTM as well. Have had lots of Braxton hicks for the last 3 weeks. Last night I did some yoga squat exercises and deep relaxation to get things moving. After the squats the baby was going mental and I could really feel the baby moving lower and other sensations I hadn't felt. Went to sleep and woke up about half 2 having what I would call contractions, not overly painful, intense but managable. Felt like really bad period cramps, lower and reaching round to my lower back. but quite definite and not like braxton hicks. This went on regularly until about 7 ish.

And now... nothing really. I have a brown discharge with bits, taking this to be the mucus plug coming away and a touch of the runs (eww sorry!).

I have been for a long walk which at times felt like I could be having a contraction of some sort. Not overly painful but not a braxton hick either and nowhere near as intense through the night.

What do you think? Is it starting or am I just slowly losing the plot?

It definitely sounds like something is happening for you.
With my first I had regular but not intensifying contractions for 12 hrs they then stopped had a full night sleep, the next day they started again losing plug also by 7pm I went to hospital baby arrived 4am! So contractions can stop and start you’ll soon know when they start become more intense.

Good luck sounds like you on your way! X x

Probably just starting slowly. Sounds like it shouldn’t be too long. Keep active but also rest, I had a few nights of regular contractions which stopped abruptly each morning despite walking miles even in the middle of the night, I was exhausted by the time I was in established labour, next pregnancy was the same but this time rested rather than working at keeping it going. I actually felt human when she arrived rather than completely exhausted.
Good luck, newborn cuddles soon by the sounds of things.

Sounds like you may start contractions sooner rather than later. Good luck and let us know, in a few days, how you and baby are

Defo sounds like the start of early labour, it sounds exactly like the start of my labour. I agree with pp that balance activity with rest - any time you feel like sleeping, do so, and when you don't, walk and do yoga etc like you've been doing. Oh so exciting! Wishing you a smooth and relaxed time - lots of it may feel very manageable like this so try to enjoy and marvel at your incredible body and baby!!

I'm 39 weeks and sound very similar to you (no show yet and only having irregular Braxton Hicks though they are intensifying a little), I assumed it's the start of the slow latent phase but when everything tapers off I start to wonder if I'm just making it up and become really discouraged!
Good luck, hope things start to establish for you and that you have a healthy and safe delivery!

How's it going OP? No news is good news?

Ha! I'm shattered. Did some yoga inducing squats again, some meditation then went into labour pretty quickly! Baby was born Monday evening. I'm so happy!!! Thanks for all your advice and good luck to those of you still to pop Xx

Congrats!

Ooh hooray!! Congratulations. Hope you're getting lots of looking after and enjoying getting to know this wee person. Sounds like you did really well.

Congratulations 🎉