When to call hospital

[coopos]

38+5 weeks pregnant and been having what I think is contractions for the past roughly 4 hours, they feel like very strong period cramps? But I haven't had a mucus plug or my waters break so I'm unsure. I've not been able to get any rest at all. I've been using an app to time then and they are now average duration of 32 seconds and average frequency of 4:12 minutes. I was only at the hospital for yesterday reduced movements so only want to call them if I really need to. Is now a good time? Any advice?

Sounds like you are in labour to me OP.
Give them a ring.

Yes i would call now

I third calling now! Good luck! Xx

Phoned the hospital but they won't let me go in, she said I need to be having at least 3 every 10 minutes that last exactly the same time and told me that they were Brixton hicks and to take paracetamol ... I've been having braxton hicks for a while with increased tightenings since Monday and these are certainly not the same.

Oh no!
I was induced with my children so never had to deal with this.
I never had Braxton Hicks that were regular and meant I couldn't rest.
You may have to insist on being checked if it carries on.

You know your body and how you feel better than anyone else. If you think it's showtime then don't be fobbed off. Give triage a call back and insist on being checked. Best of luck x

My labour started with regular tightening - I thought they were braxton hicks until I timed them and realised how regular they were! Sounds like you're in labour to me. If your waters haven't broken and you're managing OK at home, you could stay put and wait for them to get more regular or, of course, you can call back and insist on going in. You know what feels safe and comfortable, so do whatever you need to do!

Good luck!

I had a lot of bleeding around 5 so DP called them and they said I could in,

I would have held off personally because it is a fair gap still. What I wasn't prepared for was how painful even early contractions were.
I'm glad I started off with homebirth because you have gas and air ready to go when you need it.
I'm going to say I want a homebirth again so I have the gas and air to take me through until it's time to go go hospital. Unless it happens so fast I stay at home but I'd be happy with that anyway.

Good luck op!!

Sorry just realised I didn't finish off that post, I went in just after 6 and was 3cm dilated when I was examined and he arrived at 11:55 😊

Aw, congratulations!

Congratulations and good for you for sticking with your instincts. I have no idea why these midwives try to persuade women in labour that they’re not in labour?

Congratulations! Hope you're both doing well x

Congratulations! Enjoy that newborn bubble - I loved it! Ooh to smell the head of a newborn again!