How will I know I’m in labour?

[CathyandHeathcliff]

Those who have had a baby before, how will I know I am in labour? I know people just say you’ll know. If my waters don’t break and I don’t lose my plug first that is.

Usually you will have strong period type pains and your belly will tighten with each pain. Worth watching some YouTube videos?

You might not necessarily know. I had on off backache all day that started getting a little worse but never came to the front, and then I started bleeding so I went to the hospital to be checked out as I felt something wasn't right (I was overdue) and I was 4cm dilated.

Yes you will probably get a period type pain and your bump will tighten I also had a touch of the runs nice right

If you are unsure then unless your are having a c section, think your waters are broken or have been told otherwise due to high risk then it is best to convince yourself otherwise.

Early labour canary days.

Can last

I’ve been having horrible pains when I wake up in the early hours the past week or so (not every night) and I did wonder if it was starting early. Anyway nothing in the morning. The pains are a cross between period pain and an upset tummy. In my back and down my legs too.

I didn't know, at first. Like pp I was getting intermittent back pains which I put down to being heavily pregnant. Then they became stronger, started moving further round towards the front and more frequent. When it was every 15 mins or so it started to dawn on me it might be early labour.

To get to that stage took at least 24 hours.

How many weeks are you? It might be worth calling your midwife

@SheRaTheAllPowerful I’m 34+2. There isn’t anything today though, just the usual uncomfortable feelings that I have from him moving around.

It’s quite common to feel contractions at night and then for them to disappear in the morning. This is because the hormone oxytocin which induces labour is more easily produced when we’re relaxed and feel safe. This can go on for days and weeks.

I didn’t know I was in labour at all and didn’t feel any contractions until I was 6cm they broke my waters. I only went in to hospital as I was leaking amniotic fluid. Probably an exception to the rule though!

@chloechloe so I may have already started labour then?!

If you are concerned get checked out ring midwives or out of hours saying you are not feeling right

@MrsJayy thanks, I’m going to give it one more night and see how I go.

I’m only 34+2, hope labour isn’t starting yet!