Am I in the beginnings of labour? 40+4 currently

[cakeandprosecco1]

FTM here.
From 3.30am last night to 4pm today (31 May) I had awful awful cramps in my lower back which made me poo constantly, (sorry TMI), braxton hicks and pelvic pressure.

It then stopped at 4pm. I went to bed around midnight this evening, woke up at 1.30 with low pelvic pain and lower back pain again and a pressure to go toilet. :(
Been on and off and been in and out of sleep since 1.30.... not much though as it's 3.18am now.
went to toilet just now and seen a bloody show, mucus with blood in.

My bump is really hard and just constant pressure at the moment. Is this the beginning or do i still have a while to go?

Sounds like it is the start to me.
Are you planning a hospital or home birth?

That definitely sounds like something is happening, I'd go in and get checked if I were you, not all first deliveries are slow

I'm having a hospital birth, I'm unsure whether to call in as my midwife said at last appointment contractions need to be so many mins apart and it's not at that stage yet... I can't get back to sleep now though I'm too uncomfortable.
The lower back pain and pelvic pressure feels like strong period pains

Are you having contractions? How many minutes apart are they?

I don't think they're contractions, it feels like a constant period pain that's there that gets strong then eases slightly but it;s always there?

Maybe it's a wee infection?
But your show means something is happening to your cervix

Sounds like the start of Labour to me. Good luck. Just relax and try to rest if you can. As soon as it gets too bad to comfortably lay/sit down then stand up.

@cakeandprosecco1 that's what my labour felt like the whole way through !

Mine started like this! I spent a lot of time waiting for "proper" contractions that never came, just back pain / period pain that got stronger. Cue mad dash to the hospital and baby arrived an hour later. I'd give your maternity unit a call just to check in if you haven't already, they'll be able to to advise and hopefully reassure.

Definitely call up as this sounded like my first labour when baby was back to back. They’ll know what you should do. Good luck!! I hope your wait is nearly over 🤞🏼

I just called maternity unit and they think I'm in early labour. Told me to stay at home until contractions become regular etc.

Good luck! Keep us posted

That's exactly what happened to me, give it a few hours and they will become more obvious. Good luck! X

@cakeandprosecco1 how's today been? I'm excited for you

Still in early labour, having contractions but not regular enough to go in yet. In so much pain I'm finding it hard to cope 😥
Trying the TENS machine I bought now as DH is home and can help me put it on..

Best of luck!!

My labour started with period like cramps on the Friday morning that carried on until Saturday evening when my waters broke. DD was born on the Sunday. How exciting OP, best of luck xx

Sounds like my labour I had the most awful back pain turns out she was back to back

Yes definitely labour, loosing the mucus plug with blood tinge means cervix is opening. How are things now? My first labour went like this and sadly took 4 days to get going. I was sick of my life by the end I hadn’t eaten or slept in 4 days it was torture

@cakeandprosecco1 I hope all is going well and that either you've progressed and you're too busy to post or that you've managed to get some rest. Looking forward to your next update

Hey everyone, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl at 5am this morning. I was in early labour for near enough 24 hours then had a very quick active labour.
It was a very difficult birth, I've never known pain like it, but it was worth it.

Huge congratulations to you!!!! Enjoy this special time 😍

Yay! Congratulations!

Congratulations

Amazing news. Enjoy your precious baby girl.