Signs labour could be close?

[sel2223]

Just that really....... those that have children already, did you have any early signs in the days/week before your waters broke or contractions started that told you labour was very close?

Hi there. I had my DS at 38+5. Naturally labour came on. I'd had no signs prior that told me something was going to happen soon. Honestly assumed I was going to have at least another 2 weeks, everyone told me You go overdue with your first. So at 38+3, I woke up in the night with back ache and period pains. Was restless and couldn't get back to sleep. I had a BM at like 3am which never happens, so that was the first thing that made me think something was up. As you read that it's common for women to have a 'clear out' for want of a better term- sorry 😂 just before labour. After that the period pains ramped up quickly and the back pain. My son was back to back, so the contractions were strong and frequent for a long time. Eventually gave birth naturally with forceps after 36 hours! So honestly. No, nothing of note, prior to when it was obvious it was really starting. Hope my ramble helps
In some way!

I was in latent labour for a couple of days before which just felt like really strong period cramps. Gave birth at 37 weeks. That's all I felt really

Honestly nothing at all. I was convinced I'd have to be induced as I was 4 days overdue with no signs, and then contractions started with no warning as I got into bed that night.

Four or five days before I had a full day of pulling, tugging, discomfort etc but after I went to bed that night it all stopped and I went back to normal. A day or so after that I had a really awful heavy, swollen, bruised feeling down below. I could barely walk so I guess baby had shifted. Then the night before I went into labour my ankles swelled up like balloons, really uncomfortably so. I had actually gone away for the weekend but fortunately baby held on until I got home.

Thanks ladies. Seems it's a mixed bag (as with everything pregnancy related!).

I'm 36 weeks and absolutely convinced I'm going to go into spontaneous labour before my ELCS.

I was booked for ELCS and went into labour before. I was VERY tired the day prior. That's the only thing that was different for me.

I'd also be grateful to hear more stories on labour signs!

I'm 40+3 with my first. Getting period type pains tonight (3rd night!) and previous two nights, throughout the night in waves (having to catch up on sleep during the day), but it mostly stops during the day..! Last night was accompanied by back and thigh ache. Have had some brown discharge during this period as well (but not the full mucus plug appearing).

Bit of a slog... 😒

I would maybe give them a call. All my labour was back and thighs due to LO being back to back.

@Oran333 thanks - I had midwife appnt on Monday and she said baby was in a good position/not back to back.

Development here, my mucus plug just came out! Having a lot of pressure and period pain still but don't think it's labour..?!

@m00ngirl how exciting!! Hopefully things start moving very soon.
Good luck

I had a growth scan yesterday at 36+4 and we struggled to see anything at all on the scan as baby is so low down now and facing my back.
That explains the pressure and heavy feeling!