Could it be contractions?

[Sunandsea77]

40+4 with second child. Induced with first due to going overdue (and had NO signs of own arrival) so don’t know what ‘natural’ feels like!

Weds night/Thurs morning, I started getting on and off cramps through the night. These then stopped once I got up and moving but I did have a bloody show. I then went for sweep but my cervix was still very posterior, hard and not dilated.

Then last night from about 2am, I started with the cramps again. They come about every 10 minutes, last approx 30 second. It feels like a wave, everything goes sore and tight and I have to breathe through it. Once again when I got up and moving, they have eased but I am still getting some at irregular intervals today.

Something is going on but I thought contractions weren’t meant to stop and start! …but equally Braxton Hicks aren’t meant to hurt. Any ideas what’s going on?

Contractions yes, but latent/early labour not 'proper' labour. Can be off and on for weeks (well not at 40+4 but if it starts earlier) so don't call the hospital until it gets regular (or other reasons you'd normally call).

Thank you. Haven’t rang them as totally agree not ‘proper’ labour, just confused what’s going on. Was confused when no change to my cervix at the sweep.

Your cervix not being ready for a sweep, doesn't mean no change, the show being one change. Sometimes these things just take time, or it might carry on like this then happen all at once when it starts.

Is baby head down and engaged? You can generally expect things to be a bit slower until that happens.

They sound like contractions to me!

I reckon you'll have your baby by the end of this weekend

Yes those are mild, irregular contractions. They can start/stop, go on for days. You are getting close though!

Theres no evidence sweeps actually do help bring on labour, despite the risks of premature rupture of membranes and infection they have. A sweep is irritating your cervix in the hope labour will start, it is as effective as ticking someone with a full bladder to make them wee- as in it only works if they were bursting to go anyway.

Yes baby hear down and 3/5 engaged I think they said.

My cervix took 3 days of induction (even with my water breaking) to shift so they could even reach it last time so I think I (mentally) see it as a big issue.

I would be so happy if baby made it on their own this time ❤️

I love the way you have described this. Just makes sense to me!

Been having sweeps as very keen to avoid induction (pessary/gel/drip) and I’ve had some risk factors in this pregnancy which means we will be very grateful to have baby in our arms (all scans etc are good which is why I’ve not been medically induced).

Good luck, OP!

I had exactly what you are describing and had both my babies within 24 hours.

Not to say that you will, but I'd see it as a good sign!

All mine were overdue but came naturally in the end. First DC was the latest at 41wks +3days. Each one after was a bit earlier than the one before, but all were post 40wks. So there’s definitely a good chance for you. Sending you baby vibes. 👶

Ended up on labour wards early hours of this morning with contractions at least every 5 mins and struggling to manage the pain. The mucus plug keeps on coming! 🤮
Once daylight came, they’ve all calmed down again apart from the occasional painful one. When she examined me, I was 3cm dilated so something has been happening! Have been sent home again now though as there’s no space on the labour or assessment wards. Come on baby, I’m waiting!

Went back at 5pm. Contractions were still about 1 every 10 minutes but I couldn’t cope with the pain. Baby born just after 10pm with second stage of labour being 17 minutes 😅

Congratulations OP!

Aw well done OP and congrats!!

Congratulations!