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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Contractions or BH?

32 replies

FebMama · 29/01/2023 06:11

I woke up at 3.45am this morning with a shooting sensation from my middle back.

Since then, I'm getting regular stabbing/sharp pains specifically in my lower part of my bump. Every 7-8 minutes lasting 40-60 seconds.

I've tried to change positions thinking that this will help if they're BH, but they're still happening. I have to breathe through the tightenings.

I called up labour ward triage and was told to monitor and if they become more frequent (every 5 minutes) then to call up again.

I was induced with my first so have no idea what it feels like to go into labour naturally.

I'm also 38+3. Does this sound like early labour or Braxton Hicks?
(Waters haven't yet broken either)

OP posts:
PurBal · 29/01/2023 06:13

Sounds like labour to me. It’s unusual for waters to break first (although mine did). Exciting times!

BlueSuffragette · 29/01/2023 06:15

Good luck OP. Sounds like baby is on their way. xxxx

Original poster
FebMama · 29/01/2023 06:19

Ahh thanks both!

There is a pretty consistent pattern to the pain, but every now and then there's a bit longer between them, is that normal? E.g typically they're every 7-8 minutes and have been for over an hour...but my last one I had was 13 minutes from the previous?

OP posts:
Original poster
FebMama · 29/01/2023 06:47

Sorry for the TMI but I've also just had a sudden urge to empty my bowels which is very unlike me at this time of the morning!!!

Letting it all out on here as haven't yet woken up DH (sleeping in the spare room) and will only wake him when things ramp up a bit!

OP posts:
PurpleReindeer2 · 29/01/2023 06:50

I think today could be the day. How exciting. Best wishes OP. x

whateveryouwantmetosay · 29/01/2023 06:52

Sounds like you're in early labour to me!! Good luck OP!

Kam610 · 29/01/2023 07:10

When I experienced this I was told to take Paracetamol, and if it stopped the pains then it was BH.

How exciting though! Try going for a walk and bouncing on a ball to see if it gets things going.

Original poster
FebMama · 29/01/2023 07:13

Thanks all!

@Kam610 I'll give paracetamol a go. I've just had a shower and will go and have something to eat to distract myself!

I am excited if this is the real thing although was hoping baby would hold off until my ELCS next week! Let's wait and see 😊

OP posts:
Stephanie226 · 29/01/2023 08:48

Ohh I'm thinking you may need to change your username from febmama to janmama 😁 keep doing what your doing, sounds like it could be the real deal. Keep us all posted and good luck xx

Original poster
FebMama · 29/01/2023 09:54

@Stephanie226 ha you might be right!

I called up to labour ward again and they told me to come in and get checked over. Currently hooked up to the monitor so it's all feeling very real and exciting now! Will wait and see what they say 😊

OP posts:
GoT1904 · 29/01/2023 11:01

Eeeeee good luck!! I imagine they'll section you today if that's your wishes? How exciting

Original poster
FebMama · 29/01/2023 11:38

@GoT1904 well they examined me and I'm 1-2cm dialated but my lining is very thin. Midwife felt baby's head and said he is very low.
They gave me the option of waiting it out in hospital or going back home and coming back later when contractions ramp up. So I'm back home after scoffing my face with a McDonald's breakfast! Going to wash my hair and do a facemask - things I wanted to do next week before the section haha.

Will more than likely be back tonight I reckon and will go straight in for the section ☺️

OP posts:
Stephanie226 · 29/01/2023 11:49

FebMama · 29/01/2023 11:38

@GoT1904 well they examined me and I'm 1-2cm dialated but my lining is very thin. Midwife felt baby's head and said he is very low.
They gave me the option of waiting it out in hospital or going back home and coming back later when contractions ramp up. So I'm back home after scoffing my face with a McDonald's breakfast! Going to wash my hair and do a facemask - things I wanted to do next week before the section haha.

Will more than likely be back tonight I reckon and will go straight in for the section ☺️

Thanks for update, that's so exciting 😁😁 I really hope today goes smoothly for you and as relaxing as you can possibly make it xx

Original poster
FebMama · 29/01/2023 13:28

@Stephanie226 thank you so much ❤️

OP posts:
PurpleReindeer2 · 29/01/2023 13:44

Just checking back into see how you are doing. Sounds like DS could arrive today. 🥰 Best wishes xxxx

Original poster
FebMama · 29/01/2023 16:53

@PurpleReindeer2 thank you!

Contractions actually appeared to have a slowed down now ?! 😬 and I managed to get a bit of sleep after being up since the early hours.
Although just woke up to some back pain and most definitely lost my mucus plug just now so I'm wondering if this means anything providing contractions have slowed!!

OP posts:
GoT1904 · 29/01/2023 17:31

FebMama · 29/01/2023 16:53

@PurpleReindeer2 thank you!

Contractions actually appeared to have a slowed down now ?! 😬 and I managed to get a bit of sleep after being up since the early hours.
Although just woke up to some back pain and most definitely lost my mucus plug just now so I'm wondering if this means anything providing contractions have slowed!!

It may well ramp up again tonight! Hopefully there won't be too much stopping and starting xx

PurBal · 29/01/2023 19:27

How are you doing @FebMama ? My labour was start-stop (and because my waters had broken they put me on the drip), my sisters early labour lasted a number of days. Take it easy and rest as much as possible. So excited!!

Original poster
FebMama · 29/01/2023 21:22

@PurBal thank you for checking in!

I had a very noticeable bloody show around 5pm today. Contractions still frequent but still no real pattern.

I'm realllllly uncertain if my waters have broken or not. I keep going for a wee every 8-10 minutes and only a little trickle of fluid (or wee?!) is coming out. I've also just had some more bleeding just now during a contraction. Had nothing since losing my plug earlier so not sure what this new blood is? I called up about 20 mins ago and was told to call back and update in 40 mins so will call again shortly but have a feeling I'll be making a trip back to the hospital very soon!

OP posts:
Vallmo47 · 29/01/2023 21:25

Good luck Op, sounds like you will meet your little man soon!

PurpleReindeer2 · 29/01/2023 21:32

I'm back again just to see how you are doing. Sounds like things are progressing. Hopefully you'll be admitted again soon and have DS in your arms tomorrow. 🥰 Good luck xx

Original poster
FebMama · 29/01/2023 23:56

Thank you for the kind messages!

I'm back on labour ward and I'm 4-5cm. Waiting to be spoken to by the anesthetist and will be going for a section in the next few hours 🥰😍

OP posts:
TheShellBeach · 30/01/2023 00:55

FebMama · 29/01/2023 23:56

Thank you for the kind messages!

I'm back on labour ward and I'm 4-5cm. Waiting to be spoken to by the anesthetist and will be going for a section in the next few hours 🥰😍

At this rate you'll end up with a normal delivery.

Eagtess3 · 30/01/2023 03:07

@FebMama how are you getting on x

PurBal · 30/01/2023 06:52

Has your baby arrived?

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