Two different opinions please help

[Tobemummy]

Hi everyone. I’m 37 +4 and started with small regular contractions 10 mins a part lasting 10 mins on Friday they started to feel like period pains and got more painful over time. I can still rest and go about my day. The midwife came yesterday and said I was 2cm and my waters were bulging she said hopefully I’ll have my little one in the next 24-48 hours. My pains got a little worse today so I decided to call. A different midwife came out but in the phone said I was silly for not taking pain relief because it was common sense even though that’s not on my birthplan then when she got here said I wasn’t showing any signs of contractions even though I was having them when she was here. I just don’t show pain and know these are not the braxon hix I have had in the past she then examined me and said she couldn’t even get her finger up and was not like let to have my baby until 40 weeks. I’m so upset and not sure what to think.

im having a home birth

not 10 mins… 1 min lol

It would be very unusual to have contractions every minute if you’re not in active labour.
‘When was your urine last dipped ?
Have you taken any paracetamol ?

No I’m having contractions about 6/10 pain every 4-5 mins lasting 1 min

I haven't had paracetamol and I havnt had my urine dipped since my last midwife appointment 2 weeks ago

You'll hate this advice I'm sure 😁 but if you're having a home birth, just stop worrying about it - baby will come and it doesn't matter if you're 2cm or no centimetres. Things can change in a flash.

The contractions you're feeling will all be doing something, maybe getting baby in to an optimal position. It could go on for days (even weeks!).

Just relax and feel safe in the knowledge that you don't need to 'get the timing right' to go to hospital or anything, you can just let things unfold at home.

Not sure if you've had a home birth before but it is brilliant. Good luck 👍

I had contractions like that for about 36 hours before my waters went (it was only a trickle!) and I lost my mucus plug. I got to the hospital when I was having 3-4 contractions every 10 mins lasting at least a minute. I was assessed at 1-2cm and told I could go home but I asked to stay. I had the baby 2 hours later!

Your body will do what it wants to do, regardless of the midwives opinions. I hope it happens for you soon!

Sounds like the second midwife was a bit rude to say it was common sense to take paracetamol.
It could be that you're in early labour, or having prodomal labour. I had prodomal labour with my second, would have contractions regularly that felt like early labour for 24 hours but then would die off. I unfortunately had that for weeks and she was born at 41+2. My waters were also bulging from 38 weeks according to my midwife. It's so hard to say but if the pains get closer together, more intense or your waters break then call the midwives back. Or any concerns about baby's movements.

Try not to be upset, I know that's easy for me to say. The last few weeks of pregnancy are as tough as the first few weeks of not knowing what's happening. Do you have a bath at home? You could try having a warm bath to relax or watch a funny film, anything to distract you or get the oxytocin going. Being active is good but you can also end up exhausting yourself so do a little but get plenty of rest for the main event. Wishing you all the best x

Second midwife was rude, and also wrong.

Paracetamol can effect the production of prostaglandins which help efface and dilate the cervix in early labour.

It's common advice, but it is outdated.----