What does labour feel like to begin with?

[TheVeryHungryTortoise]

Hi all! I'm currently 40+8 weeks and up until now haven't had any signs that labour might be near.

Yesterday I had a membrane sweep with my midwife and then about 6 hours later I started having what I think is a bloody show and one big long Braxton Hicks contraction where the top of my bump we t hard for about an hour. I was up all night with mildly uncomfortable period type cramps that keep coming and going, and I'm still producing pinkish mucus discharge this morning. The cramps are low down, sometimes coupled with aches in my hips or back but are quite irregular still (maybe once every 15 minutes for a minute or so, but sometimes more often.)

Does this sound like the start of labour? I've been so fed up and don't want to get my hopes up if it's nothing. Does anyone have tips on how to move on further if this is labour, or do I just need to wait it out?

Just been up the birth centre since 5am, had contractions and back pain all day and night, I’ve not slept in over 32 hours :( I’m only 2cm dilated so they sent me home but have given me codeine for the pain l, had to wait over an hour and half
For the doctor to prescribe it tho so only just left the birth centre now at 8.30am. They have also lent me a tens machine. I’m third on the list for induction so may even get a call later or in a few days. My back and lower tummy contractions hurt so bad and I’m only 2cm dilated so I’m worried about how much more pain there will be

@pickles31 I just wanted to offer you hope, my pain levels remained similar throughout and I took 30 hrs to get to 3cm dilated, then from 3cm to birth was only another 3 hours. You may not be waiting long! All the best x

@thecag thank you for message, I haven’t had much sleep but have managed to rest since getting home, contractions have spread out a bit again and are every 10 mins roughly, going to try the tens machine shortly and see how I get on.

Ooo.. Veey excited it all happening.
Get into a good position, like being on the loo, will give plenty of pressure on your cervix to maximise dilation.

Good luck!!!

Oooh I love all the excitement here!

@Pickles31 Hope everything is going well! I agree with TheCag pain was awful and terrifying at 2cm but stayed pretty level throughout so don't be too worried. If you have truly awful back pain baby could be back to back like mine. Try to keep positive- you can do it and your baby will be here soon!!

Morning, yay he is here at last! 8 pounds 13, born 19th November at 11.38pm. I wud
Have msged back sooner but I was in labour for nearly 2/3 days so by the time he was on his way out I got him half out but was so exhausted to get him all
The way out so they decided to take me to
Surgery for ventouse, he came out very quick
But I had a tear and lost a litre of blood and then they knocked me out due to pain, got a lot of stitches so takeong some time to recover. Was quite an ordeal but we love our little boy he’s just perfect 😊 thanks ladies for all ur comments they have kept me going the past few weeks

Oh Pickles huge bunch of for you!!!

So exciting....yay...well done you!!!

Welcome to the world baby [big boy] pickles

Yay congratulations @Pickles. Same weight as my daughter!

I have lost a litre too...with large first degree tear and small 2nd degree. Just make sure you rest lots, get all the sleep you can and eat well! Make sure everyone looks after you well, and you will need some weeks to get yourself back to feeling stronger after 3 days of labour!! They don't call it labour for nothing do they...its bloody hard work

Congratulations @Pickles31 . So happy to hear of another safe arrival! Enjoy your babies ladies!

@Pickles31 Congratulations on the arrival of your baby boy! Enjoy this time :) Sorry to hear about your labour, but I'm sure it's all worth it now.

Great news, congratulations Pickles!

Congratulations! Recommend a warm ( not hot ) salt water bath to sooth the stitches if you're struggling 😊