early stages of labour ( pre labour)

**tan32** · May 21st, 2008, 09:58 PM

Hi all im just wondering if what i am experiencing seems anything like pre labour. I know this is my 3rd bub and i should know but i have never gone into labour, i had to be induced with both my previous.

Last night for about 4 hours i had strong braxton hicks across my lower tummy. I finally took some panadol and managed to go to sleep, today at about 3 pm i got a slight twinge in my lower back, I still have this now and the pain is getting stronger, i cant get comfortable and my hips feel uncomfortable as well, I have just taken panadol to try and take the edge of the pain.
Could it be bubs has just decided to move position , i have felt a few movements tonight or could this be the start of things.

**sneakysparkle** · May 21st, 2008, 10:06 PM

I'm no expert but it sounds like it could be the start of things! Don't worry though, you can have this happen for a couple of weeks (annoying I know, but kind of reassuring too!) Rest up as much as you can

All the best!

**EJM** · May 22nd, 2008, 08:51 AM

This is my first baby, so I have NO IDEA of what labour will feel like either. However, last night I struggled to get to sleep and was having a similar experience to you but combined with back pain... My thinking is that this could continue on and off for a few weeks. I do get excited when it happens though, as I am thinking "is this going to be it?!?!" It is very strange to become excited when something uncomfortable/painful is happening... what a mix of emotions labour will be!

Hopefully it is the start for you and you will be able to go into labour naturally

Good Luck

**tan32** · May 22nd, 2008, 10:38 AM

thanks,
I managed to take some panadol and put a heat pack on and got some sleep last night, My back is killing me again today and i feel very uncomfortable, bub is wriggling still but my tummy feels so uncomfy, my hips are sore also.

**DANNIIM** · May 22nd, 2008, 11:02 AM

Hi Tan

Myself i would probably go up to the hospital and have the monitor put on me because i would be to curious to see if i was having contractions! I had this with my DS but also my waters had broken as well, only slightly though. Mine progressed fairly quickly over 24 hrs but everyone is different...sound like pre or early labour maybe!

Best of luck

**Claire-Bear** · May 22nd, 2008, 11:06 AM

If it is prodromal labour panadol is not your friend as it contains anti-protagladins and prostagladins are needed to ripen your cervix for birth. Stick with your heat pack, maybe look at some OFP and rest up.

Good luck

**amberj** · May 22nd, 2008, 11:49 AM

Interesting Claire-Bear, thanks! I have been tempted to reach for the panadol over the last few days of cramps and achy-ness, but I will stick with the heat pack!

Anyone else feeling just kind of yuk as well? Like a bit sick to your stomach, tired and a bit head-achy as well as the cramps etc? Also a bit grumpy and withdrawn? I kind of just want DH to go away and leave me home alone!!

**tan32** · May 22nd, 2008, 01:02 PM

oh i know that feeling AmberJ i feel like i might throw up at ant moment, but dont, i have very little patience as well, will steer clear of the panadol for now as well. Im going to call the midwives and see what they have to sa as im not feeling any better, my back is killing me

**DANNIIM** · May 22nd, 2008, 01:47 PM

I hope you are feeling better soon and that is interesting about the panadol as well. Good choice to ring the midwives...keep us informed!

**Snacks** · May 22nd, 2008, 02:31 PM

My experience of prelabour was like this:
For about 24 hours I was restless and generally achy. I couldn't sit still for any period of time and found it difficult to sleep. Aparently I was having contractions (SIL who's a midwife felt my tummy and said they were happening) but I couldn't really feel them.
For about 12 hours I experienced definite, unmistakable contractions (tightenings with a peak in the middle) that made me stop what I was doing and forced me to breathe deeply. They increased in intensity very slowly.
After that, I was in established labour.
If you are getting pain in your back, try to position yourself belly-downwards (like leaning forward over a beanbag or a chair) which will encourage bubs to position their back towards your front IYKWIM.
HTH a little bit. And all the very best to you!

**tan32** · May 23rd, 2008, 12:28 AM

Have just gotten back from hospital, def having contractions every 15 mins, but the pain is in my back, my cervix is very soft, open at the front aittle but inner is closed if this makes sense.
So im home to just wait and see.

**~Trish~** · May 23rd, 2008, 08:08 AM

Thinking of you

, I hope all goes well.

**Snacks** · May 23rd, 2008, 08:12 AM

Sounds like everything is going well, Tan! Take care and we'll look forward to seeing your announcement soon

**Janie** · May 23rd, 2008, 08:20 AM

I went into labour when I was 34w6d, and DS was born the next day. Sounds like you're going to be similar! He was absolutely fine, spent only 24 hours in SCN, and has reached all his milestones at the average age etc. Good luck with your labour! I had the back pain too, whatever you do don't let anyone tell you to lie on a bed, except for monitoring. Walk around, use the bath and shower, hands and knees, and if you need to rest lie on your side. I'm so excited for you! Can't wait to see the BA

**EJM** · May 23rd, 2008, 08:22 AM

That sounds promising! There is definitely a lot of wait and see during pregnancy!

Yesterday we had to drive to Brisbane (2hr each way) and last night on the way home I was getting strong BH, but today nothing so far... I am thinking that once we get closer if nothing is happening a long car trip could be good!

Good Luck Tan, hope everything goes well

**tan32** · May 23rd, 2008, 08:37 PM

Thank you all, Im still going and things are slowly getting stronger now. I cant sit still so went out with my MUm today as staying home waiting was driving me nuts, we walked around the shops and things def moved along, ive just had a shower the water helps my back and Ive had a nap to catch up on sleep but im now in the process of making sure everything is ready for me, bubs and the kids, i figure DH can survive on his own if everything is sorted

**tan32** · May 24th, 2008, 10:29 AM

Im still hanging in there, this morning it feels like everyhting may have come to a halt.
My back pain is still there but has eased, i still feel like something is happening just have a weird unsettled feeling.
If i still feel this way later this arvo i guess i will make another trip in to the hospital, i just want to make sure bub isnt stressing out.