False Labour.

[Kass79]

All day yesterday, I was having what I can I Lu assume was false labour. I had all the signs, the contractions, the constant needing to pee after each one, my bowels were cleaning themselves out, the pains were becoming full on and after I had a shower last night, it all stopped

I've never experienced false labour before and was wondering what others have experienced? How many times before birth, how often and were the symptoms the same as real labour? It really sucks when you get all excited, thinking this is it, only for it to stop

[leesha]

I'm on my phone and can't see how many babies you have and how far along you are? I had but this happen with my third labour. I had two weeks of prelabour which was very frustrating...midwives, obs and lovely ladies on here reassured me its very normal.
Things would get going then just stop
Maybe just ring your health care provider and ask to be seen just to ease your mind perhaps?

[Mum2twoBoys]

I had this exactly one week before ds was born. I was told it was an irritable uterus. But with this pg I've spoken to an IM, and she said it sounds like my body was gearing up for labour. When I went to hospital, mw were surprised to find I was already 7cm dilated. Fx the same will happen with you.

[LimeSlice]

Sounds like pre-labour to me! All those contractions will be doing important work. Follow your body's cues and enjoy the last of your pregnancy!

[little_O]

I had it too. About 2 weeks, then more intensely for about the last week.

Then I had a great labour! Fx it's for you too!

Also I found I had a particularly bad night of false labour the night before I went into actual labour

All the best!

[Kass79]

Thanks ladies. It's just so frustrating to know its happening but at the end nothing comes of it. This is my fifth pregnancy, last labour was 1 hour 40 mins. So I'm expecting a short labour, but going thru all that pain and prep of yesterday is a bit disheartening. I didn't sleep well last night either. I had a few BH's but nothing like the day time ones. Going to see my midwife today tho...so we shall see what she says

[Cricket]

For your own sake, don't call it false labour - call it pre-labour. It's not false or fake. It's just not active labour yet. It will still help get your baby into a good position, and begin the dilating/effacing process.
I had it more and more with every baby, and it was exhausting physically and emotionally. But, it did seem to make for a pretty short active labour! And it definitely sounds like your body is getting close to being ready. Hope things pick up in the next day or two for you!
All the best!

[Babyluv]

I had none with my DD and a 10hr labour. I had a week of pre labour before my DS and a 3hr labour.

[LimeSlice]

For your own sake, don't call it false labour - call it pre-labour. It's not false or fake. It's just not active labour yet. It will still help get your baby into a good position, and begin the dilating/effacing process.

This!!
Don't tell yourself it is not coming to anything, because it is all do something! Many awesome things.

[HotI]

For your own sake, don't call it false labour - call it pre-labour. It's not false or fake. It's just not active labour yet. It will still help get your baby into a good position, and begin the dilating/effacing process.

Exactly! I had it with both of mine, and when i allowed myself to just roll with it, DS was able to get into an awesome position so that he could birth easier. Do you have plans for the next few weeks? Plan some exciting fun things to do so you have things to look forward to. If baby comes, you won't mind having to cancel them, but if she needs a little bit longer you have things to do.

[Kass79]

I saw the midwife, and as much as I called it a 'false labour', it was actually helping. Bub is 3/5ths engaged. She wasn't engaged on Monday. So that's a great thing

So, hopefully things get going soon

[little_mrs]

i had it for about 3 days leading up to dd's birth, which was very frustrating when it fizzled out coz i was already post dates! It all helps tho hope you get to meet your princess soon

[Cricket]

Good to hear! Can't wait to hear about the arrival of your little lady. We had four of the same gender before getting one of the other too, by the way.

[Kass79]

Wow Cricket. Big family too. Love big families. We haven't decided if we're done yet either....it's be nice to have a little sister for this one

I've been having more BHs since last night, my bladder and bowel are really feeling it! Being used more in a day than ever before lol. Today is going to be an active day if I can, walking and keeping busy to try and get things moving along

[Cricket]

That's kind of what I've said - it would be nice for DS to have a brother. We'll see what happens this time.... I'm not sure how many more times I want to do this!

Definitely sounds like things are gearing up over there though! Super exciting! I've heard that a walk by the water, especially in sand can be helpful. Something about the uneven ground shifting the hips around and settling the baby nice and low - not a bad way to spend the day anyways. All the best!

[Kass79]

Thanks. Hope you get what you want and a smooth pregnancy

[Cassius2]

you are doing awesome Kass

it can be so exhausting dealing with pre-labour. I was there with DD3...

BUT, it does some of the most amazing preparation for you and baby. promotes good position for bubs and I have my own feeling that it is a nice way for bubs to kinda get used to the act of labour ITMS. especially as you have fast labours like I do...always nice for bubs to have a bit of warning

[Kass79]

Thanks Cassius. The BH's have slowed down, for now lol. I've still been getting the tightenings....but not anything like the other day. So maybe next time will be the real thing lol.