How early can you have a 'normal' labour? Is this it, or have I just got backache?

[Umlellala]

Think it's highly unlikely that baby is on the way now but got me pondering...

Am 7mths (30weeks I think?) - second baby. And I have the most crazy backache that feels EXACTLY like the one I got through my first baby's labour. To the point where it was the first thing I thought when I felt it (although, wouldn't have 'remembered' if someone had asked iykwim).

Anyway, do babies just come out normally at this time sometimes? Or would there be other complications (high blood pressure etc)?

Otherwise, advice on what to do about my backache please!!!

It is possible to have a "natural" labour at this stage without any other problems. If it gets worse maybe give mw a call for advice? Sorry can't help with the backache other than suggest a support band type thingy?!

xx

I had a few low-down contraction-like pains around about 6/7 months which made me have to grit my teeth and breath through them a bit - got me in a bit of a panic I can tell you! But nothing happened, and when I checked it with my midwife, she wasn't really sure what it could be. In the end we just decided it was the baby pressing on a ligament. It stopped happening after a while all of its own accord and I didn't go into labour until 39 weeks.

It's possible that you are in labour - and don;t panic too much if you are as 30 weeks means the baby has a very good chance of being born without problems. Also, if you don't know your exact date of conception, you might be a bit further along than you think. If it gets worse, call your MW and ask her advice.

Ohhh gosh! Thanks for your reassurance. Baby has been VERY wriggly recently so it might just be leaning in weird places. BUt will keep an eye - I've been saying I want the baby out but not this week - we're going on holiday to Cornwall on Sat!!

Sadly I'm pretty sure it could only be one date in the month when we conceived. That's what happens when you already have a toddler, eh?

Umlellala I would call my MW or labour ward straightaway and it is likely they would suggest going in. Altough your baby would have very good chances of surviving, its lungs probably aren't mature so if you are in labour you would need two injections of steroid at 12 hours apart. What you describe sounds like how my first labour started with DD at 32 weeks. Better to phone and put your mind at rest now.

Let us know how it goes

Ok, phoned local maternity helpline and she re-iterated what you lot said (ie it COULD be labour) but that it sounds like it's prob a UTI. Am starting to feel very hot and flushed (last time got a horrible kidney infection that was the worse pain ever) so could well be that.

She has recommended going to OAU (is that right?) now. Can't go right now as my parents have my daughter out for afternoon and hubby won;t be back til later... but could go later. Feel like I'm making a big deal over nothing though... Any comments??

I had similar pains at about 34 weeks. Went into hospital and turns out it was a UTI. I needed antibiotics. Baby born at 40 weeeks. I think you should go in.

I don't think you are making a big deal over nothing at all. It is always best to check and put your mind at rest. If it is only a UTI you will need treatment anyway. Don't worry about going in, that is what they are there for!

Thanks. Spoken to parents and hubby and waiting for cab to hospital now.

OK, back from hospital. No UTI. Got checked out, baby fine (but small apparently got to have growth scan). Had some 'regular tightenings' over about twenty mins - but thankfully they stopped and no other signs of labour so just one of those things it seems (maybe similar to you Bodkin). So home for me and fingers crossed baby stays in there for a while...

Have arrived home to hubby putting toddler to bed, wanted to give her a kiss. Ah well, no doubt I will see her again in three hours when she wakes and wants to 'sleep wit you mummy'. .

thanks for the update umlella. Hope the growth scan is ok.

I am glad you went and that everything is fine with the baby and you! Good luck with the growth scan