Not sure if I'm in labour? First pregnancy

[elm26]

Hi everyone

I’m 37 weeks and for the past few days I have been having intense braxton hicks for hours, bump stays hard and firm for a long time, not really going very soft in between.

Some of the tightenings are painful in my stomach and back, like period pains, some are painless.

I called the maternity advice line last night and they booked me to go into my local maternity ward to be checked. The CTG showed tightenings/contractions but not close together and babies heart rate and movements were good. My urine is clear, blood pressure and general obs fine.

The midwife sent me home and said if they become 5 minutes apart, any blood or fluid loss etc to go back straight away but she’s happy and baby can come anytime now as I’m classed as full term.

I actually got a full 10 hours sleep last night except for one wee which is unheard of for me at the minute! Today I’ve got period pains again on and off and braxton hicks plus really achy thighs like I’ve been exercising (definitely not right now!) As this is my first, I have no idea if this is all just braxton hicks or if I could be in slow early labour.

Has anyone had similar? Thank you 😊

Sounds like slow early labour, yeah. Without wanting to be discouraging, you could be at this a while yet, so I'd recommend sleeping while you can and staying active in between if you feel up to it - bouncing on a birth ball if you have one, maybe.

I'm 37 weeks too and experiencing similar, on and off braxton hicks type contractions, back pain, and period type cramps for past few days. This is my second pregnancy, and last pregnancy I think these symptoms were around for a good 2 or 3 weeks before baby arrived! So I think it's just super early labour. When you are in real labour, it'll be more obvious and you won't have to ask to check, you'll just know! Contractions will be painful and regular!

Thanks both of you!

I managed to take my dog out for a slow 30 minute walk today, had a soak in the bath and I'm sat on my ball drinking a cup of raspberry leaf tea watching my fave movie so hoping it kicks off some decent oxytocin!

I'm being induced on my due date (29th May) if she's not here before.

And good luck @purplemama1990 🥰

Thank you!! Hope all goes well for you too!