Think I'm in labour!

[chickensoup23]

I really should know what's happening as this is DC2, but panic is setting in so need some people to chat to! Should start by saying I'm 40+2 today!
I've had stop / start contractions since Monday, usually every other night but pain is probably a 2/10.

However I was woken up at 3am with backache and have been timing since. Contractions are like a period pain In my back and moving round to the front every 5 mins. Been trying to get back to sleep but can't - less about the pain and more that I'm panicking. Just been to the toilet and wiped and have had my bloody show. I'm having a bit of a meltdown about doing it all again (very traumatic birth with DC1!) and also getting parents to come and pick my child up if it's all a False alarm, coupled with not wanting to leave it too late - arghhhh!

Hi op! How exciting i wish this was me right now! (37 weeks and very uncomfy which is why I'm awake!)
It sounds like you are in labour. Have you called the hospital? Good luck.

Certainly sounds like it! You've got this! Try and stay calm and relax. Just because you had a tough birth with DC1 doesn't mean it will be the same this time. Do you live far from the hospital?

@brogo oh gosh the end feels so long doesn't it. I finished work 5 weeks ago and have been pulling my hair out. Is this your 1st?
No not called them yet I'm contemplating getting in the bath as I remember from last time whenever I got in the water they stopped. Just don't want to get there to be sent home

The second labour is always better. My first was tricky and second was a dream.
So exciting. Focus on the thought you’ll be meeting your baby today!!
Good luck x

@snoresnoresnorezz thank you. 😃
I'm shaking because I'm scared, which is ridiculous as I've been hypnobirthing and waiting for this moment but think the adrenaline has kicked in and I've got some bad memories flooding back. Around 30 mins from
The hospital but would say the pain is only a 3/10 at the moment. My last labour I was sent home twice and was just so exhausted from the whole thing so want to try and avoid going too early this time!

@Goslowlysideways thank you, that's so kind

@chickensoup23 no this is my second, my first is 22 months and will be awake soon I'm sure, I have read second time round is easier so don't panic.

OP my second labour was the easiest and quickest! Stay active and call for help. Even if it’s a false alarm you’ll feel better once your parents are there, just in case it progresses quickly.

Good luck!

Sounds really positive OP! Get your childcare sorted now so that you can relax. As you know, adrenaline works against oxytocin so you want to do everything you can to feel safe. A bath sounds like a great idea. Can you put on some hypnobirthing tracks or some music you enjoy? Get yourself fuelled up whilst you still feel ok too.

My second was born at 40+2. You’ve got this!

@lozengeoflove thanks for the reassurance

@LolaNova yes going to get in the bath shortly, I think because it's been stop start a number of times this week I'm reluctant to get too carried away or excited and the pain is very very manageable. It's just the bloody show that's thrown me this morning which makes this different to the other episodes this week!

Will keep everyone posted - thanks for the reassurance

Have you contacted hospital?

I had my second DD 4 weeks ago, and like you was panicking as my first labour was awful.
This one was much better.

You’ve got this! Soon you will be holding your beautiful baby, good luck! X

@Jamboree01 not yet. They have moved to 5-7 mins apart now so just relaxing and monitoring x

Good luck @chickensoup23! I also had a crappy first birth, amazing second one. Just concentrate on relaxing, and your breathing, everything else will take care of itself.

Good luck op

This is exciting! Aren't you meant to be at the hospital if they're every five minutes? Don't leave it too late! Best of luck.

Oh how exciting! I'm jealous I want a baby (too old now )

My first birth was rubbish, the second one was a dream. DS2 popped out after 6 hrs of labour, 3 big pushes, on my birthday. I was home by lunchtime drinking champagne.

Hope this one is easier for you. Lots of love OP. Looking forwards to your updates

Just a funny memory reading all these posts.

When I got to hospital to have DS2 I was crying my eyes out because I was so so scared. This lovely, very old and very stern midwife asked me what was wrong - was it the pain?

I sobbed at her that I was so terrified because of DS1. She gently patted my leg and said, "don't worry dear, nobody has to have their first baby twice"

I'll never forget that. And she was so right!

Thanks all

@catinbootsx what a lovely story. That's really heartwarming.

So I've had a bath and contractions continued which is a good sign - I remember last time the water stopped them so feeling hopeful.

I lit some candles and put some relaxing music on but had to get out after 15 mins as I thought I was going to faint.

Going to get dressed and have a lie down and relax to take the pressure off.

How exciting @chickensoup23 but don't wait too long!

Don’t hang about OP, second babies can arrive very quickly, as I know from experience.

How exciting!

I will say however, my second was VERY similar to my first but what will be will be, you just have to take it as it comes!

@catinbootsx me too! You never lose those feelings.

@Roselilly36

Don’t hang about OP, second babies can arrive very quickly, as I know from experience.

I second this!!

Relax! Deep calming breaths, get in the zone.

My first birth was fucking awful. Second was fantastic. Currently 39 weeks so hoping 3rd is ok😂

Good luck, you can do this.