How did your first labour start?

[Nelbert19]

Hello all

I’m 38 weeks today and am at that stage where I’m anxiously sign spotting and impatiently waiting for labour to start!

My bump dropped over a week ago and I’ve been having very mildly painful contractions for a few hours now - not regular, just like mild period pain. Could this be the start of things?? (Probably not, but I’m hoping so!)

How did your first labour start? How long until first symptom until active labour? Would love to hear others experiences

My waters went (about 11am) whilst out dog walking with my DH! We were about half way round an hr and a half walk so had to waddle back to the car looking like I had wet myself. Contractions started about 6 hours later and I gave birth at 2.42pm the following day

I was driving home at 38+2 when I started getting contractions, I had about 5 in maybe 30 minutes? After the first couple being uncomfortable, the next ones were strong enough to stop me talking and hold DHs arm (while I was driving). Got home and they got more painful very quickly so I had a bath which didn't help. Lost my mucus plug a couple of hours later and contractions were so strong and close together we went to the hospital. I was 9.5cm dilated when we got there. Total labour time was less than 5 hours.

Started getting period pains about 10pm ish, which seemed to quite quickly ramp up. Lost mucus plug about midnight, had a bath, paracetamol etc. Felt very intense and the contractions were really close together. Could hardly talk on the phone to triage!

Went to hospital about 6am. She was back to back which made everything a bit longer & more uncomfortable. Born at 11pm that night by emergency section.

Just a brief update - 5 days of irregular periody cramps and I’m still pregnant!

Pain is Ramping up today and have started losing my plug so hoping for some further progress soon! Baby is taking his sweet time 🙄