39 weeks and getting period type pains

[Dalrymps]

Hey
I'm 39 weeks and a day. This is my first pregnancy and over the last week or so I've been getting period type pains in my lower tummy and back and occasionally down my legs, happening more frequently and has now been constant for last 2 days, just wondering if this is the baby's head engaging?
Also i'm getting really quite anxious about the labour itself, any tips on keeping calm???

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Yep! Looks like there must be something in the air!

The crampiness has eased off now I'm up and about and have had some breakfast so maybe I'll go to yoga and see how I get on.

Thanks for the advice and good luck to Dalrymps, DesignerBaby and Kitcoffey!

hey, no i don't mind gatecrashers...the more the better, nice to know it's not just me feeling like this. Having said that I woke up today and i don't seem to have any period type pain at the moment after having it constantly for 2 days! wonder if this means it'll be a while yet or if it's the calm before the storm? Might have a bounce on my birthing ball to see of I can jiggle him along.

I was checking in a pregnancy book this morning and it was saying that the first 'latent' phase of labour where the cervix is just beginning to efface and dilate can take place over several days or even weeks so I think it's normal for it to stop and start again.

According to this book, if the pains and/or contractions are irregular then it's 'pre-labour', and if they're regular and getting stronger then it's the first stages of labour. Don't quote me on that though as I'm finding it all a bit confusing! I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will come along and correct me if I've got it horribly wrong.

Ah well, from that it at least sounds like somethimg is happening down there! At least we're making some progress...

How's everyone doing? Any babies born yet? My period type pains seem to be getting worse and more constant. They woke me up again last night. Also I'm getting slightly blood tinged discharge (sorry for TMI ) which I'm guessing is a continuation of the show I had at the weekend. Wonder how long this can go on for before it turns into proper labour...?

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i'll take designerbaby, presuming she has not popped yet !

may i lurk for a bit? its very exciting now i'm holding my baby, pregnancy discomfort all a faded memory....
best wishes to all of you here.

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Pruners, you may be on to a winner (unless the absent ones are already in hospital or have already given birth!). I'm getting more and more convinced this is labour.

Pains coming like waves, stronger and closer together. It's getting harder to breathe/talk through them. They sort of knock me for six. In fact, it really bloody hurts and I'm getting quite scared about what full blown labour feels like if this is only the warm up stage!!!

DP is on his way home and we're going to call the hospital to see what they say when he gets back.

Wish me luck!

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Do you think so?

I've been feeling like a complete wuss thinking that this is pre-labour or something and that I'm not coping very well with the pain.

Now I'm starting to wonder if I'm actually in proper labour since the pains/contractions are getting quite close together. If I am then I'm quite proud of myself for just coping with the pain on my own (and the support of MN ) all day!

I'll let you know what happens....

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Thanks

Do you think it's normal for the amount of blood in discharge to be increasing as the contractions get worse? I haven't had a bit plug or anything...just lots of discharge and at first it was browny/pink tinged but now it's more pinky/red. Sorry that's a bit gross but just wondering if I should be worried.

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Been to hospital. Been examined. Only 2cm dilated but definitely in labour. Have come home again and contractions seem to have eased off after the longest bath ever. Still don't think I'll be able to sleep through the contractions though and worried I won't be able to cope with a long labour with no sleep. Contractions are worse when I lie down so not sure how to even take a nap. Maybe I'll try sitting propped up with lots of pillows...

Too exciting! I can't wait to hear the announcements. Glad that lulumama and pruners are here. I must be off to bed (again).

missbumpy, NEVER say ONLY 2cm!!! You are doing brilliantly. Try your best to relax and let your body do its job. I hope the pillows help.

Can I gate crash and join the party? 40weeks +1, crampy pains and shootig pains, definite practise contractions going on down there. No show yet though.

How late can the show occur? Is it worth me getting excited yet without having had a show? Last time it was 2 days from the show till the birth.

ohh, wigglejiggle. so pleased for you. is your sleep plan still working for your dd? will look out for your birth announcement.

dd sleeps like a ..... (struggles to think of really sleey creature at this time of the morning) .... sloth! 8pm til 7am at night, and has even started having a 1/2 hr morning nap and 2hr afternoon nap.

Hoping to get this baby out soon. Outlaws arrived yesterday, the sooner baby arrives, the sooner they go .

lol. sending labour vibes your way. [i think i am going thru a broody phase.]

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Oh I can't believe I missed the drama, any news on Missbumpy is it missflatty now?

My Braxtons have calmed got a great energy surge downside is the contents of my cupboards are all over my floors, felt the bizarre need to organise everything starting at 5am this am!