Is this early labour?

[fiadhflower]

Morning, first-time mother here and I’m so confused by my body!

Was due a few days ago and had a sweep on Friday. Had what I think was my bloody show on Saturday. Went for a long walk and ate a curry. And had what felt like some uncomfortable contractions on Saturday night.

Yesterday I had relatively regular tightenings but they either weren’t painful at all or were like very light period pain. (Caveat here is that I suffer from bad period pain, where I’ve been know to vomit, faint etc so I’m not sure whether my definition of light period pain might differ from others). Also had loose stools. And some brown-twinged discharge that didn’t smell.

Now it’s Monday! Still having tightenings that either aren’t painful or are like light period pain. Some more brown-twinged discharge. And an increase in discharge overall.

What is happening to me? I keep getting exciting thinking maybe today is the day. And then nothing happens! Help!

Have you called the maternity unit? Brown discharge might be worth mentioning, I’ve not had that before with my labours. (I’m
in no way an expert, so it may well be nothing but worth checking out I think)

It does sound like the start of early labour to me. All the best OP

It does sound like it probably is but agree it’s worth a call to maternity to mention the discharge. .Early labour for me was no worse than period pains as mine are bad .

All the best from me too

It sounds like things are gearing up. I had that with 4 days with ds

Are movements still the same pattern?

I know it's easy to say but I'd be getting as much sleep as you can now

Also have a bath and see if the tightening stop

No advice but solidarity- having the exact same thing. Brown discharge started yesterday and period pains which have been getting slightly worse but have been having them for about 5 days now!

Seeing the midwife later so hopefully will find out more then. It's very frustrating...maybe we'll have Christmas babies!

Thanks all. I called the maternity unit and they said brown discharge is normal, particularly this late in a pregnancy. Hopefully it’s a sign that something is happening!

Munder, good luck with the midwife app! I was hoping the baby would avoid arriving on Christmas Day but now I’m getting impatient! All of these half signs make me feel like something should happen!

Oh good I’m glad they were able to reassure you (sorry for mentioning it, it’s just something I hadn’t encountered so thought it was worth asking)

Here’s hoping today’s the day!

How exciting OP! I hope your new baby is in your arms soon. Best Christmas Present Ever!

@ChristmasTwatteryDoesMyHeadIn I’m happy you mentioned it - it was on my mind too and I think it’s best to check these things but sometimes I worry I’m wasting their time. So your message was the prompt I needed. Have a great Christmas!

My labour started with period pains. It actually took me a while to realise the period pains were contractions!