37 weeks - DC2 - am I going to go into labour?

[addictedtofrazzles]

Hi there,

Have got myself in a state...

Am 37 weeks with DC2 and can't remember what the build up to labour was like last time (only 18 months ago!!). Thing is, we have builders in our house and I really don't want labour to be imminent. However, everything hurts and I am wondering if anyone can reassure me it is normal or give me some motivation to actually pack my hospital bag.

Am having lots of BH but my hips and groin are so sore and my bump aches (not like my memory of labour pains, but in a more bruised/heavy way). All I want to do is sleep and am very teary/emotional. I have a very low blood pressure so standing/walking is really tiring too. Please tell me this is 'normal' at 37 weeks and that there is no reason why I shouldn't go full term?

Thanks so much

Well it just sounds like the normal tail-end of pregancy to me, not imminent labour.

I certainly didn't get any signs before it did happen for me so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

I can't personally guarantee you aren't about to go in to labour any minute though, sorry

Ugh! I'm only 31 weeks and you could be describing me!!!

Last two days BH have been really painful, but I know it's not labour because it does ease off if I sit down and put my feet up, take a few breaths and drink some water.

Apparently dehydration can bring these symptoms on in final trimester, and considering the weather we've been having I suspect we both just need to keep our fluids up.

If you're dehydrated with low blood pressure, you'll feel awful whatever, so it could just be that. Can you rest and get some Gatorade down you to see if that helps?

Thanks ladies - you are so kind to reply. Just welling up at the fact you have responded. Off to get fluids - thanks again

oh bless you! don't well up - you'll use up more fluid!
i reckon you might also be feeling slightly stressed at having hairy arsed builders around the place as well - despite your blood pressure being low. if you can light a fire under them to get their work done, im sure you'll feel more able to concerntrate on packing hospital bag, looking after yourself etc. you're in the final stretch (as am i as it happens!) so you need to rest as much as poss (as much as toddler will let you - i know mine is climbing the walls at the mo!), and i think it'll be easier to do this once you have the house to yourself again.
good luck.

Have you got the energy to make a list of what needs to be packed in your bag as it is a good idea to get that done and then your DH can pack for you?

We had nothing with us the day ds1 was born. We had taken everything the day before as a practice when we went for a scan but dh took it out as I didn't want to lose it all/have it nicked and didn't bother putting it back as only going for a scan...Baby spent his first 12 hours in a hospital nappy and babygrow. And hat as too cold.

I remember having the same thoughts when pregnant with DD2 - how would I know when I was going into labour and not just being very pregnant? My only reassurance to you is that you WILL know the difference. I had loads of BH with DD2 but I knew straight away when the contractions started, and I had lots of time to get myself ready for hospital.

I hope you manage to get some rest and have a quick birth!

Hi there. I'm coming up to 37 weeks and have been wondering exactly the same thing. I too have yet to pack a bag and was panicking about that the other night. I'm coming from the opposite pov though - in many ways I'd like to be a little early and just get the whole damned thing over with.

After a few days of no developments I'm now resigned to these just being late pregnancy niggles and no more. My bump has really dropped though and MW has said it could really be any time from now.

I don't remember having any signs before labour last time other than a show a few hours before my contractions started. So there's no way of knowing really.

Good luck whatever happens.

Thank you all for your kind replies. I have upped the water intake (+gatorade!) and really do feel better. I still ache, but feel reassured that it is the end of pregnancy rather than imminent labour....well, am still pregnant for now and fingers crossed I will be for a few more weeks!

Good luck to you all