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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Hand hold needed, 33 weeks pregnant and scared I’m going into early labour

16 replies

CandleFlames · 04/03/2020 18:34

Sorry this is my third post today but I’m going a bit mad. Woken up in full nesting mode convinced he’s coming soon after a night of back pain and stomach pain and then more back pain today. I also had a dream last night I went into early labour and had him. I’ve always felt he was going to be on time so never felt like this before.

My belly has dropped, around two days ago I had a load of (non bloody) mucous, I’ve got increased watery discharge and I am feeling loads of pressure down below and getting cramps there too. I’m hoping it’s not and perhaps I’m just more in tune with my body because I’m only 33 weeks. I don’t know what contractions feel like because this is my first baby? I’m getting like a stomach ache and backache at the same time and then it goes and comes back but it’s nothing horrendous. But I have had my intestine removed so my pain threshold is very high.

Does this sound like I’m just being a hypochondriac? I’m going down to the labour ward in half an hour but could do with a hand hold. Are these signs of labour?

OP posts:
Nelbert19 · 04/03/2020 18:40

I’m sorry I can’t tell you if you’re in labour or not but just wanted to give you some virtual support.

You don’t sound like a hypochondriac, you sound like someone who needs to be seen by a healthcare professional - even if it’s all normal, you need to know or you’ll drive yourself up the wall! And if there’s something that needs treating, you’ll be in the right place.

Try to stay calm, the labour ward will help you whatever is happening

Elliesmommy · 04/03/2020 18:56

All around absolutely normal. Braxton hicks it sounds like. You will know a contraction as you literally cant speak. No harm to get checked over.

KHall84 · 04/03/2020 19:04

Am 33 weeks as well and today I have felt pressure further down and really struggled I have been convinced am going to go a week or two early as well I dont remember feeling like this with my first but maybe our babies are just yead down now and getting ready to come when full term about 40 weeks am sure you will be fine xx

ShowOfHands · 04/03/2020 19:08

This is your second thread asking the same question. You are clearly worried so it's good that you're getting checked out.

Moonflower12 · 04/03/2020 19:10

I would maybe have a chat to your midwife. I have a high pain threshold and didn't realise I was in labour with my first until she was very nearly here.

If you are, don't panic. 33 weeks is definitely viable. My 33 weekend is sat next to me on the sofa right now. A happy healthy 7 yr old.

Good luck x

Moonflower12 · 04/03/2020 19:10

Weeker

Carlywalford94 · 04/03/2020 19:12

I had my first at 34 weeks went into hospital with bad back and tummy cramps next day I left with a baby if it gets unbearable I'd go to the hospital or call your midwife.

iMatter · 04/03/2020 19:13

Please get checked out

Even if it's just to get reassurance

I hope everything's ok Thanks

URWelcome · 04/03/2020 19:14

You definitely need to talk to your midwife and preferably get checked out, if nothing but to set your mind at rest.

It could all be normal, though. I felt like I was going to go into labour from about this time with DC1. It felt like my baby’s skull was sitting so low in my pelvis he was about to drop out! Lots of Braxton Hicks, mucus etc. He was born after a long induction at 42 weeks!

Lunafortheloveogod · 04/03/2020 19:16

Give them a call, tell them you’re concerned. At least then getting checked over can put your mind at rest. Stressing won’t help anything.

I’ve been loosing mucous from 30weeks.. I’m 38weeks and he’s still not out. Have days with bad cramps and days I wander about fine.. my backs buggered but that’s on its own license lol. I think with firsts you feel everything earlier because it’s “new” after that it seems calmer but it’s really because you know who ever said braxton hicks are painless is a liar, they’re not agony and no where near labour but I wouldn’t fancy keeping them after birth.

Assuming the cramps aren’t regular or timing up to any sort of pattern either?

Delaneyblue · 04/03/2020 19:25

Not everyone is unable to speak when in labour. I was told this by multiple midwives over the phone. Given that it was my second baby, I was pretty sure. Was told that the maternity unit was full, my husband took me to a different one - I gave birth 23 minutes later. Good job he at least believed me!

So if in doubt, go to the hospital, however much they might try to put you off.

NB my colleague had the same symptoms as you describe - baby visibly dropped, mucus plug discharge. She was at about the same stage in pregnancy as you are and was convinced she had ages still. The following day I had to insist she let another colleague take her to hospital, as it looked like she was in labour. She gave birth an hour later. (Her Mum just made it in time fortunately, not sure she wanted her boss as an emergency birthing partner!)

Purringporcupine · 04/03/2020 21:59

I had similar before my waters broke with my DS. At 34 weeks I had a dream that the baby came early and I wasn’t ready, that day I spent the day nesting, washing baby clothes, sorting nursery etc. Felt an increase in pressure around my vagina, and had increased discharge. That night my waters broke suddenly and I had him 2 hours later - definitely best to get checked out.
However to reassure you... having a baby at 33/34 weeks isn’t the end of the world. They tend to have very good outcomes, they might just need a bit of extra support to start with.
Hope you get sorted.

Nelbert19 · 05/03/2020 08:25

Are you ok OP? Hope you’ve been looked after

Original poster
CandleFlames · 05/03/2020 12:45

Hi all, @Nelbert19 I'm okay thank you. I went to the labour ward last night and they said I wasn't in early labour and I was put on the monitor for 40 minutes and baby sounded perfect. They said the show I had was probably just thick discharge and they said my cervix was high and closed.

I know I sound absolutely insane but I'm still convinced he's coming... I've been getting bad back and stomach pain that I'm having to breathe through and my I'm getting really bad lower pressure and pain to open my bowels which are very loose. I can't shake this feeling that he's coming. Hopefully I'm wrong and it looks that way right now, and I feel slightly embarrassed and like I've wasted their time! But I really do have this strong feeling.

OP posts:
Nelbert19 · 05/03/2020 21:25

@CandleFlames I’m sorry you’re having such a worrying time - great that the labour ward were reassuring though!

Don’t be embarrassed about getting assessed, it’s what they’re there for and they’d much rather see you early than when you’re in trouble.

Hopefully you’ve just got a weird tummy bug or a UTI that’s causing these symptoms, but trust your instincts and get checked out if you’re worried again

Bol87 · 05/03/2020 21:34

Braxton Hicks really can feel quite painful in my experience! Certainly some of your description matches mine, I get extremely uncomfortable/painful tightening, my stomach goes rock solid, my back cramps up and it feels like all the air is being pushed out my lungs. It’s really uncomfortable lung wise, it’s a bizarre feeling. They make me stop in my tracks & have to try walk them off (which does usually work).

Sounds like all is OK, fingers crossed, baba needs some more cooking Smile

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