How will I know when I am in labour?

[ThePFJ]

I am a first time mum to be at 31 weeks pregnant. I have BH contractions (the non painful ones) on and off at the moment.

Everywhere I read about going into labour the story is slightly different. Is the show supposed to be before the contractions/waters breaking? And how long before? Will my waters break and is that when I should be calling the midwife/going into hospital? Or do I wait until my contractions are x mins apart before I do something??

I suppose my nerves aren't helping and I have a funny feeling I'll 'know' when to go into hospital.. but what if I don't?? I have an ante-natal class coming up in a few weeks, so hopefully some of my fears will be alayed there. But please, has anyone got any advice or tips for me please? Thanks xxx

As in you passed out. So you didn't see them watching you.

..nearly did when they told me how big she was, PFJ!

hehe

why.. how big was she??

10lb 11oz (go away, Aitch, if you're reading). And a straightforward birth, PFJ, in case you think I'm trying to scare you!

Wow thats quite big. But if you say it was straightforward then I shall endevour not to let this in anyway cause me to suddenly consider the possibility of a huge baby or the fun this may entail. At all. -isn't biting her nails-

Huge babies are brilliant to cuddle. I'd not have had her an ounce lighter, I promise.

Awwww... -looks fluffy- I feel all better now.

-wanders off to try putting a nappy on the cat again-

-not really.. but wants to-

I had the same worries too ThePBF. I think everyone does.

My labour went something like.
Tuesday afternoon, fell of my computer chair (whilst posting on MN), ruptured my waters, didn't realise.
A few hours later started with chronic back pain, thought it was due to falling off the chair.
Spent the next couple of days hobbling (or waddling) around with my bad back, thinking my pelvic floor had totally given up. I had a constant slow trickle. I still managed to go and collect the pram from the shop, go to the supermarket, help do some gardening, and sand, stain and polish a blanket box. Whilst my Mum kept saying "I think you're in labour" and I denied it all because I wasn't having any contractions.
Friday 4:30am, contractions started and I finally admitted that yes actually I really really was in labour. There was no mistaking it... actually my sleep befuddled mind had thought the first contraction was me being desperate for a wee, not helped by the fact that it eased when I'd been to the toilet. But honestly, I did realise what was going on by the 2nd contraction.
I was in hospital by 5am and DD was born at midday.

So although I was in denial for 2 days by the time it all got serious and I needed to go to hospital I did know what was going on, and still had plenty of time to spare, and I'm sure you will too.

Good luck and congratulations!

Just had to say

Hello sjmilly!! Nice to see you grinning at me. If anyone reads this ..this is the woman who made me try mumsnet for my endless worries and questions. Everyone wave at Milly. -waves madly-

hehe

Message withdrawn

Before DS was born I did give brief consideration to trying to put the cat into the sling....

LOL!

You know.. I hadn't thought of that one...

Here kitty kitty...