40+3 lots of ok off contractions but not progressing

[Jace12]

Hi everyone. Read a lot of posts so thought I’d do my own. Love hearing everyone’s. 40 weeks+3 now 2nd baby. Had my sweep Monday lost my plug yesterday morning. 24hours after. I had pains cramping pains all day yesterday and night with tightening pains on top even coming 5 minutes apart but not strong enough. Or lasting long enough. Then stopped before 9pm woken by 2am more pains but coming every I think 7-10 mins l. Woke up this morning and just had random tightening pains on off through out the door but not as many as yesterday but I say every 30mins sometimes every 20 and so on very irregular but they do hurt. And have gone into my back today. But again they ain’t coming often , But I know they’re not the full on contractions also I’d be kidding myself. Any one else started like this I do not remember this with my first at all- my waters went with my first and it was kind of go go go. Nothing seems to start being the real deal yet? Also I was 3cm at my sweep. Thank u ladies-!

Ohh exciting... (but frustrating i bet)

Like you, my waters broke with my first, then it was all gradually more intense from there. I'm expecting my second baby in a few weeks and today my midwife told me to expect this kind of inconsistent early stage of labour this time around. Apparently its more common with second babies, but then the pushing phase is meant to be shorter (!) hoping that last bit it true!!

Good luck op, try and rest while you can x

So exciting OP.

I'm 5 months PP and had exactly the same with my second. Unfortunately it did last for about 5 days for me but all the "contractions" I suffered through did help to prepare my body for a quick 4 hour labour. I definitely knew when it was the real deal!

Fingers crossed you don't have to wait much longer to meet your little one.

This is very normal, these contractions are helping to get baby into the optimum position and will be effacing and dilating your cervix. It’s frustrating as it can feel as though nothing is happening but a huge amount is going on that you don’t realise. This bit can go on for a while, often the next stage is quicker though. Your baby is nearly here.

I had contractions on and off for about 5 days before my waters broke and labour began properly.

It's your body gearing up for labour, so it will happen soon for you. Try to rest up as much as you can. Read a book or do something that you enjoy, as this may be the last chance that you get the opportunity!

Good luck!

Ah thanks for the replies! This makes sense. And has made me feel better. Everyone has been just as confused as I am family/friends so it’s good to hear other stories similar to me. Still getting the pains but like you said il have to wait them out and sooner or later it wil be the “real deal” !

Hi everyone thought I’d update the contractions deffo kicked in the following morning 3am coming really quick at every 3 minutes. Felt like no gap in between went from 2/8 cm in 45 minutes and ended up in a natural water birth. If someone would have told me I wouldn’t have had that epidural and had a water birth I would have never believed haha. So yes I believe 2nd to be hell of a lot quicker if anyone needs reassurance I know it all different but my first was 56 hours this time 3/10.30 he was here within 4 hours being up hospital x. Baby all well dew complications with me and stay in hospital but all worth it for our baby’s good luck mummas x x x