Am I approaching labour or am I just very very pregnant?

[Justincase87]

Have been feeling odd since Monday, went to day assessment unit yesterday as baby was moving as frequently but it felt different, was also sick several times yesterday without warning. Checks were all fine including afi and Doppler, ctg perfect. The midwife didn't measure my bump or check how engaged baby was. Sent away with 'you might be in early labour, you might not, just wait and see'.

Went to bed last night feeling uncomfortable, woken up this morning to period like cramps which come and go, feel like I can't sit or stand for long, feel very restless and irritable, have felt baby moving but definitely feel different in myself.

I'm 38+1 - does it sound like I'm close or is this just what being 38 weeks pregnant is like? I suffer with bad anxiety so finding the uncertainty hard to manage. Don't want to bother anyone medical by ringing again especially if this is just normal and not sure who I should contact for advice anyway.

I don’t know and I already have a 3 year old. Labour is so unpredictable that you could have your baby in your arms by this time tomorrow or not for another 3 weeks. It certainly sounds like your body is getting ready for labour but this is to be expected at 38 weeks. Sorry.

I’m 37 week today, had a sweep 2 days ago, loosing my mucus plug today, lots of cramping last night and Braxton hicks today. I know it just a waiting game now.

I feel the same, 37+6 today. I feel achy and restless, my lower back pains are getting brutal and although I've had braxton hicks for ages they're getting painful now. But at the same time no mucus plug coming away and midwife hasn't checked my cervix or anything so it could still be a while. Everyone says when it's real labour you will know so I'm going to assume if I'm not in tons of pain then it's not, and if that means I do spend some of labour unaware that I'm in it then I'm fine with that! If it's worrying you ring the midwives, but they'll probably say the same as at hospital- could be the start or could not.

TMI but what's confusing me most is that for the last week or so, whenever I need to fart or poo I get really painful period-like cramps! Wondering if that means the baby's head is engaged and pushing on my bowel, I know she's definitely pushing on my bladder as I feel like I need to wee all the time even when I stand up from just using the toilet!

Yep, matching symptoms here too. No mucus plug for me yet though.. I am currently house bound with terrible piles which isn't helping... baby dust to all and fingers crossed not much longer to go x

The end of pregnancy is so tough, you're so sore and fed up and excited to meet your baby, but anxious about when it might happen!

I know it's easier said than done, but try to relax. If your body is gearing up for labour, stress and anxiety can make everything slow down again. When you're in labour for real, you'll know about it. Real contractions are much stronger than Braxton Hicks.

Only time will tell whether those real contractions start now or in a couple of weeks.

Triskaidekaphilia try googling prodmordal labour. Not everyone visibly loses their mucus plug. It’s sounds like your baby maybe engaged.

Thanks @hormonesorDHbeingadick, had a look and it sounds like what I'm experiencing. Midwife said baby was partially engaged at my last appointment so may be fully there now, I'll find out next week.

Does anyone know, do they check cervix at 38 week appt? I know it won't be much of an indicator but I am curious.

Not as standard but they do offer sweeps so you can always ask them to have a look.

They have to have a look/feel before they can do a sweep to see if you are favourable.