I think I'm in very *very* slow early labour

[SparkyMum]

So the nesting instinct kicked in about 4-5 days ago, suddenly have the urge to clean and organise (though my body can't tolerate how much I want to do so there's a lot of resting!)

I've been having period-like cramps in my lower tummy and back for just under a week.

I've been needing to nap in the afternoons for about two hours!

Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming more frequent.

I've also had an upset tummy.

I spoke to the ward to make sure it wasn't anything to worry about and they seem to think it's my body getting ready! Exciting.

My question is this: Are there any other tell-tale signs I should look out for? Other than the obvious mucous plug, waters breaking etc. I also wondered how long I can expect this sort of thing to go on for before I should feel concerned that nothing is starting up?

Delivering before my due date would be great but as long as I don't go through a chemical induction again I'm happy.

This is my second baby but the first time I was induced and it all kind of hit me really hard out of nowhere so I've not done this symptom spotting & waiting part before.

Thanks in advance

 

[Babybump87]

Oh wow how exciting for you !!

I think you have all basis covered here on what to look out for ! I would be using a birthing ball to help bring baby down onto the cervix more . Keep doing your usual daily things. Unless you start leaking or your waters break I’ve read some ladies can be in slow labour for a while but your so close to the end so fingers crossed for you !

Are you seeing your midwife again ?

 

[sammie13s]

With me my main symptoms was loose stools, period like cramps and losing my mucus plug. Try and keep to your normal activity. If your waters begin to leak please go straight to hospital. Good luck mama xx

 

[edthedog]

Hiya,

I had this with my first but unfortunately it lasted 4 days! But when I did eventually go in to labour I progressed quickly (then the little bugger turned last minute so ended up with an emcs!) and the MW said it was because my body had done a lot of the work beforehand.

Obviously if your waters break or you have any bleeding etc get yourself checked out straight away, but for me it did last a little while so don't panic if things don't progress immediately.

Good luck and hope it all goes well xxxx

 

[SparkyMum]

Thanks everyone! Still no baby, grr! My Bishops score was only 1 when they checked me; (exterior cervix 3cm but interior 1cm).

Have my midwife appointment in the morning and another sweep. Thought he would be here by now but it all keeps stopping and starting.

 

[jaspie]

We sound in the same situation Sparkymum. I’ve had the same symptoms over the last few days and was also induced last time (2 weeks overdue ) so haven’t got experience of this either! Hope your sweep helps things progress tomorrow, I’ve got mine on Tuesday!

 

[Babybump87]

Fingers crossed your sweeps work ladies and your babies are born soon !!

 

[Bevziibubble]

Good luck! I hope you won't have to wait for too much longer now

 

[SparkyMum]

Thanks ladies. Midwife couldn't sweep properly as bishops score has gone from a 1 to a 2 in a week His head is fully engaged now though but my cervix is still long though medium softness.

 

[Babybump87]

Oh no sorry about the sweep ! Surprised she never gave you one considering your now 40 weeks . My midwife gave me one in the same position as you with DD2 but I was 39 weeks she was born at 39+2 .

Is she going to give you one next appointment if baby has not arrived ?!

 

[jessicaftl]

I was always far too high for a sweep, even when I was in transition labor and ready to push my baby was extremely high up until she all at once descended. The best way I knew labor was coming was I had lost my mucous plug a few hours before and started having contractions that didn't go away after a few hours.