How long after bloody show & ‘false’ contractions?

[Princesspeach31]

So I’m at 39 + 3 weeks and woke up yesterday in the early hours with bad period like cramps every 20-30 mins, followed by a bloody show. Got excited as thought this was it (it’s my first baby so don’t know what to expect at all!). I carried on bleeding a bit and cramping yesterday, albeit irregularly. Was woken up in the night a few times by very intense but sporadic contraction pains and a killer back, but managed to sleep fairly well in between.

Went to the hospital today to be monitored and checked as I hadn’t felt baby move much and apparently my cervix is still closed 😭 The pains have eased off too and only really ramp up when I change position or move. Based on other people’s experience, am I likely to be waiting for days or could it still happen soon? I’ve never hoped to be in pain more in my life! 😒

Keep drinking water and walking. Walking as much as you can.

My bloody show happened and I carried on walking around, eating, drinking. Then my water broke. Kept walking, eating drinking then contractions. 3 hours later I went to hospital.

All the best

I was having contractions for a week before l went into hospital as they became unbearable. My baby was back to back. I knew it was time when sitting in the bath didn't work.

Sorry, but it may be days yet. Sorry. I had this level of Braxton hicks for 3 days before baby 2 made an appearance. Keep mobile - dancing is good as hip moves help baby get their head down.

Good luck.

Definitely recommend walking OP

Right, it sounds like a walk is on the cards this afternoon!

4 days! But baby was back to back, and I had contractions on and off through those days which is apparently to try to turn the baby around. I kept my time gently - a 20 min dog walk, pottering around the house, napping, going on the ball and watching TV. Take it easy OP, you'll need your energy for when it does really get going!

Still at home 😫 The contractions picked up again yesterday evening after a walk and became painful and pretty regular - under 15 mins apart for a couple of hours - but have petered out again. I’m desperate for
some sleep and not sure how I can go on for a 4th night like this. The pain is so much worse than before. I just want an induction at this point - do you think that’s something the hospital might consider or will they just make me wait it out?

I’d call your midwives and ask, OP.

(Mine was bloody show on Monday, baby came Weds night, but I didn’t have contractions coming and going like you are, so quite different to you.)

To speed up labour I tried going for slow walks, crawling around (to tey to get baby in right position) and lots of DIY orgasms in the hope that the oxytocin release would help start labour. 🤷‍♀️

Ps not all at same time 😬

My waters went within 24 hours of my bloody show and period pains. Hope it’s not much longer!

Haha that was quite the mental image 🤣 But thank you for the tips!