Braxton Hicks or early labour pains?

[Mummys573]

Hello!
I’m 37 weeks today and the past 3 days I’ve had period pains and back ache but it’s constant not going away and coming back. This morning it was stronger more uncomfortable but still not going away I took paracetamol and managed to sleep. I also get pressure like the feeling I need the toilet but I can’t go. I also don’t suffer with constipation. I feel better now not got the period pains but I have a very slight dull back ache it’s defiantly worse when I’m laying down.

Any help please?

Does the pain come and go in regular intervals? Have you timed how long each tightening / pain lasts and the time between?

When my labour started with DD I had bad back ache, like period pains in the lower back.

I was busy feeding 1.5yo DS so only realised after his breakfast the pain was regular, every 15 mins. DD was born that night.

Such an exciting time!! I had a DD last summer and another the summer before. I'm so excited for you for what you are about to experience 😍 Best advice, just relax, it will happen and when it does you will know. Every twinge at this stage forward is an OMG is this it moment. Enjoy every bit of it

Thank you for your reply!

No it’s more like a constant ache and definitely more noticeable when I’m lying down. With my first I had him at 39 weeks i was getting pains which gradually got worse but these arnt getting any worse or closer together? Aww that’s lovely bet it’s so nice having such a small age gap! My first has just turned 6 he’s so excited to finally become a big brother I just hope it happens sooner rather than later I’m so uncomfortable with all the pressure. My midwife said the second doesn’t get engaged until labour either and I feel as though I need the toilet with the pressure I thought they meant engaged lol x

@Ispywithmycynicaleye and I’ve also started feeling exhausted and sick again last night after lying in bed for about half an hour I was sick everywhere. I don’t know if I’m just looking into every little thing now ahah

X

Aww you have my sympathies!! I had terrible morning sickness with DS the whole way through, even threw up in the delivery room... all over the midwife So glad when that side of things was over!!

I do remember feeling pain like you describe when DD was very low in my pelvis. It was a constant achy heaviness, felt like my insides were going to fall out. Her head was down so I also got the 'lightening pains too'. Have you had them yet? Do you know if your baby has turned yet? Maybe bum down with added pressure on a nerve?

Have you spoken to your midwife about it? Perhaps they can suggest things you can do to help. I had terrible SPD which left my back in agony, there are really good positions you can try lying down, eg. on your side with a pillow at your back and another between your legs. I liked to have a pillow under my bump too for extra support. Not much room left for DP though A good one sitting is to roll a towel and place it at the small of your back. Both help relieve the pressure on your lower half.

@Ispywithmycynicaleye I ended up going for a scan for reduced movements and he is measuring 4lb 8! And I’m 37+2 so I’m being induced by balloon method tomorrow! I’m so nervous 😬 not what I expected x

Aww bless you, you must be full of mixed emotions. How are you feeling now? It is alot to process so the nerves are perfectly normal. Try not to worry though, if they are inducing you they clearly feel baby is ready which is a good thing. And at least you know exactly when labour will happen now

I was induced with 3 of my babies. The last one was nearly with the balloon but the sweep on the morning started things off so i didnt need it. I was 37 weeks exactly and had pre-eclampsia. The previous pregnancy I was induced at 35+6 for the same reasons, but that was with the pessary. Both babies were fine.

Have you prepared your hospital bag with tiny baby clothes / nappies etc?

Hopefully you are given a private room so your DP can stay with you. I was put on a ward but had a tiny bit diarrhoea shortly after settling in. When I told the midwife I was quickly transferred to a private room away from other patients which I learned is policy for every case of diarrhoea where cause is unknown. I never told her I just ate too many rennies that morning Meant DP was with me throughout.

I'll be thinking of you today, goodluck (not that you'll need it)

Just thought I'd check in to see how you are. I hope everything is going good and you have your beautiful cuddly baby boy soon 💝

@Mummys573 hello! I had the balloon put in at 11am after I was monitored I was having small contractions (not feeling them) and when she checked my cervix I was 1cm. It wasn’t the comfiest going in, I found the balloon outside the cervix to be quite uncomfortable to be filled 🥴 I went out yesterday and got some more tiny baby things I have a lot from when I had my son as he was 6lb 6 so also small just not as small. How long after waters were broken did you go onto having your babies? I’m in a ward but two ladies have left ones went home and the other had gone down to labour ward! I’m nervous but so ready for him to be here now

@Ispywithmycynicaleye sorry I meant to tag

Eeeek!! I'm so excited for you! Brings back amazing memories That's great you're 1cm and contracting, all going in the right direction!
Have your waters broke already? I was told to get on the labour suite you have to be 4cm dilated or your waters break. My waters broke at 2cm with DD(2) (thankfully because contractions were horrific). That was about 6am, she was born at 6.50 that evening. I found being on my feet and walking made things speed up. Every time I lay down the contractions slowed. With DD(3) I was taken to the labour suite at 2cm to have my water broke for me, but that's because my BP was so high, they needed to get things moving. She was born by emergency c-section sometime in the small hours. I'm not sure, I was put to sleep and it's all a bit hazy.
Hopefully tomorrow is the day you meet your little man

Hi @Mummys573 I was just thinking about you as I was getting my babies to sleep. I hope all is well and you finally have your little bundle of joy

I gave birth this morning by emergency csection as the 20ml for 15 hours of hormone drip never worked didn’t move from 4cm for hours and hours. He weighed 5lb 9oz so not too small and he’s perfect and his big brother can’t wait to meet him!! Thank you x

Awwww congratulations!! Probably not the drama you wanted, but it's great to hear you are both ok, and what a great weight!! Well done