Is anyone awake? I’m having contractions!

[JellycatElfie]

Is anyone awake and willing to keep me company? I’ve been having contractions since last night but since half 2 they’re really starting to bite. Dh is sleeping with our little boy so I could get some sleep but I’ve been awake for ages now! They’re every 8 minutes currently. Hoping I can wait until it’s properly morning to ring in.

If it was your first I would say you are way off, but with a second your body knows what to do and it could be so much quicker. Are you happy baby is still moving ok?

Thank you! I honestly feel fine between contractions so I’m honestly wondering if I’m imagining it or something!! I don’t want to leave it too late but the fact that there’s so much time between contractions (10-15 mins) makes me feel I’m being a drama queen. Baby is definitely moving ok xx

You know your body OP, listen to what it's telling you.

Good luck! Hopefully you'll have your gorgeous new baby in your arms soon.

I had this type of early labour with all 4 of my children. I had a good 24 hours of regular 10-15 min contractions but nothing that stopped me going about my day.

By the time I was on my 3rd and 4thchild, I used the start of contractions as "get prepared" time, rather than expecting imminent delivery.

I've therefore done all the following (several times) whilst in this early labour stage:

• taken kids to school
• picked up from school
• sat through class assembly
• full weekly supermarket shop
• top-up shop
• birthday present shopping in city centre
• gone to parent and toddler group
• sat through watching swimming lesson
• stood on sidelines for DC in football match
• made family meals
• cleaned. Lots and lots of cleaning in this stage (nesting)

Basically, I'd suggest just cracking on with stuff to take your mind off it. Baby will be here soon, but no rush. Just go about your normal day.

I wouldn't even phone hospital until there are 3 in 10 minutes. For me any by long drawn-out early labours, that would probably be overnight tonight (ie Saturday to Sunday night). So it use Saturday to get stuff done.

I’ve phoned back and explained they’ve teetered off in terms of frequency but when they come on, wowza they’re strong! They were lovely and said thanks for letting them know and just to go when I need to even if it’s just for advice. I’m having a bit of relax time now on my birthing ball and might try and eat something. I keep getting a lot of pressure below and in my bum, and the contractions are really painful but I’ve probably only had 4 in the past hour.

How's it going now @JellycatElfie?

He arrived at 1920 weighing 7lb!!!!

Congratulations JellycatElfie and Jellybaby!

Yay!! Huge congratulations 🥳. What an excellent early Christmas present 💝

Ahhhhhh,
massive congratulations to you ♥

Oh wonderful, congratulations to you and your family

Congrats OP ♥️ 👶🏻 🍼 🎉

Congratulations!! What a lovely thread!

JellycatElfie well done and congratulations!

Congratulations

Congratulations

Thanks all

Oh wow! I missed your live birthing thread, but congratulations

Congratulations !

Congratulations!

Thank you! Feels so funny looking back and this thread now, almost like a diary entry! Mad that he arrived a few hours after I started this! Xx