Prem Labour 31 weeks

[Girl2020]

Hi ladies, just a little advice I went for a scan the other day and was told she has engaged fully, I have since started feeling very unwell and getting awful back pain like period and a lot of pressure low down and painful to walk in lower tummy and my bump looks like it’s dropped. I just feel like something has changed and I can’t put my finger on it. Anyone else had this? Is it Labour or am I being paranoid? X x

Hey midwife here, please call your maternity unit and tell them what you have written here. The discomfort could be early labour, not every woman has the classic strong regular contractions. You could have a UTI that needs treatment. Untreated UTIs can cause early labour. The fact you feel unwell should be investigated.

I am 33 weeks and had a scan last week and I was told I will give birth within days or a few weeks as I have a short cervix and funneling, however she hasn't engaged. I think they can engage early some late and it doesn't necessarily mean early labour. If you feel very worried and like something is going on maybe ring your midwife or labour ward and they will look into it xxx

@USaYwHatNow thank you, I went in two days ago and they checked me over and said everything was fine and cervix was hard and no sign of infection. Can anything change this quickly? Just said she was only 2lb 13 and got to go back for a growth scan in two weeks x x

@annamaria22 its hard isn’t it as so many different scenarios and everyone is different. I just feel like period pains and tummy feels very heavy x x

You probably should call your Labour ward on call midwife. I've had 2 pre term labour's and I still remember feeling like you decades later contact someone just for peace of mind.

its hard isn’t it as so many different scenarios and everyone is different. I just feel like period pains and tummy feels very heavy

If a MW is saying that you should call in, I'd take her advice

I have tried to call my midwife and no reply I have just sent her a message x

I don’t understand why posting on MN and waiting there for a reply is a better option than calling the assessment unit and getting advice right away…

if it’s labour at this early stage or an infection - it’s not something to wait around for advice on internet…

If you’re in uk, call 111 or the daily assessment unit (the number should have been given to you by your midwife or you can Google it, 111 will also put you through to the right doctors)

I have felt like this for the last couple of days that’s why I’m asking on here it hasn’t just come on quickly. Just seeing if anyone else felt this way and if it was normal to engage this early.

I have tried to call my midwife and no reply I have just sent her a message

Have you called the labour ward?

It will be better to call the labour ward and ask their advice. The assessment unit may not be open this late and leaving a message on your midwife’s phone isn’t going to get you answers if she doesn’t read her messages/isn’t at work.
A phone call and see what they say.

Hi all I have just called and they said not to worry and if I feel any intense pains or notice any discharge to go down. But said it will usually be Braxton hicks and pressure will be as engaged 🤷‍♀️

You are obviously a little bit concerned if you are posting I don't think anybody can reassure you what's normal or not.

That's a relief just keep an eye on things.

You'll almost certainly know when it's real. Don't worry too much, but equally do go to triage if you need to. That's what they are there for, even if they are putting you off right now. Ask to see the Periprem passport and ask them to confirm they've done everything they need to do on it.

My baby came at 32+0 after waters went at 31+6. If it does happen, don't panic - it's a scary journey but at 31 weeks you will all be okay x

good they are not concerned. But as the baby is engaged this early, keep an eye on any changes and call again. Have your bag ready as well. Good luck, hope the baby waits a bit longer.

@CristinaNov182 yes I started it yesterday just incase xx