Can you remember how you were feeling as labour started?

[FlumpyMummy]

Were you feeling really relaxed, stressed or sleepy etc the moment you went into labour?

Expecting DC2 anytime now so was curious to gauge from your replies whether labour is more likely to start when you are relaxed and least expecting it.

With DS1, my waters broke first thing in the morning after a wee so I guess I was sleepy!

Depends on what you call "starting". First twinge I was on a walk, fairly calm and relaxed but tired, in pain and cold. There was then nothing else until 3am, when my waters broke. I was asleep immediately before it happened so guess I was relaxed!

I was sleeping and woke at 3am with a contraction.

Very interesting thread- I’m wondering if we’ll see a pattern of things kicking off when posters were very relaxed or in bed!

DC1 - in bed asleep, got up to go to loo and waters broke/contractions started.

DC2 - in sofa watching tv, waters broke/contractions started.

DTs - having reflexology so also relaxed!

On not in the sofa!

Normal. Came on so so slowly. Wasn't until the pains got quite persistent & annoying that I believed they meant something.

I was a right stroppy cow for two whole days beforehand. Spent the first three hours of contractions alone because I'd basically told DH to bog off and give me some space.

With DS very much the same as yourself, I woke up and my waters broke in bed 5 minutes later! Thought I'd wet myself. So relaxed I assume.

DD currently imminent and waiting to see what happens this time around! Glad to hear most people were relaxed though as I'm currently constantly knackered and can't be arsed doing much

After reading about Gunpowder during the reflexology session, I’m v tempted to book a maternity massage around my due date to see if that kicks anything into action!

I was very excited. Kept active, ate and drank, didn't sleep though would have liked to. My husband firmly told me I was not and could not be in labour, it was 'too early'. Baby soon popped out just five days earlier than due date. Honestly, men! He was nervous though, bless.

I tried everything with my second a couple of months ago to get my labour going but lo and behold my waters broke whilst in bed. I really think it happens when u least expect it and when you're at your most relaxed and stress free. Xx

Confused and unsure whether I was in labour

I woke in the night with seeming symptoms of food poisoning - extreme nausea and extreme diarrhea. The nausea continued intensely throughout but it soon became apparent that I was in labour because I started to pass loads of bloody discharge and the seeming intestinal cramping was rhythmic.

I was sick and had diarrhoea for about 36hours before. Got checked at hospital as baby movements reduced. Was told I was having contractions but couldn't feel them. Woke at 1am with mild contractions. Waters didn't break until we were at hospital at 11am. I was pretty relaxed other than the vomiting though. Currently 39 weeks with no. 2.

Looks like it catches out the majority of us when we are quite settled!

Book one Penny! Sod’s law you will go into labour before your appointment and if you don’t it’s lovely and relaxing, unless you start having contractions that is.

The reflexologist told me at the beginning of the appointment that she thought it was the calm before the storm and she could sense a big burst of energy coming so maybe there’s something to your theory OP!

Asleep

I was asleep fit both of mine

DC1 - had a really busy day shopping & cleaning - wasn't expecting him to come early! Labour started early evening - I ignored it for ages thinking it must be BH - so definitely in the 'least expecting it' category.

DC2 - having an afternoon nap, and my waters breaking woke me up - so v relaxed.

DC3 - Labour came on 12hrs after a sweep - I was in the bath. Definitely relaxed