not sure what to expect...

[amberj]

I so feel for all of you! I was 10 days overdue and I just about went crazy waiting for labour to begin. Every single little twinge and I was sure it was beginning, but it wasn't.

All I can say is, you will know you're in labour because it doesn't go away, it just gets more intense! Everyone's journey through labour is different- some have long first stages and others not- but the thing in common is that it keeps going rather than stopping.

For me, I had contractions on the Sunday night, but they went away after about an hour. Then I went into labour on the Tuesday night. Cramps started like the previous night- they felt just like period pains. I thought it was nothing (again), but it just kept going and getting stronger.

But because I had so many 'false starts' I didn't actually believe I was in labour until my waters broke and my contractions went to 2-3 minutes apart and I called the hospital and they said "uh, yeah, you're in labour". I was like "oh, really? Great!!".

I was super nervous too and didn't know what to expect. Most people (myself included) say the pain is like period pain. Then like really, really bad period pain. Then like period pain on crack.

But seriously, you really do go into a 'zone' when in labour that seems to take away all your nerves and just make you focus. I tend to worry over everything and way over-think things and get really anxious. But I wasn't like this in labour, not at all. I had this whole centre of focus/calm thing going on- and if I can get that, anyone can.

You can do it!!!

[mybabylove]

I think its normal to be a little anxious no matter if this is your first pregnancy or your forth! We are only human & every pregnancy/labor is different. No two people experience the same labor they are all unique!
Hope this helps

[*The_Mrs.*]

I agree! I have never been so impatient in my whole life. I thought that once I hit 38 weeks I would start getting anxious but as soon as I hit 33 weeks all I thought about was labor. If I do end up being one of those 42 weekers I might go a little bit insane. Hoenestly.

[elise]

oh i hear ya! i finished work alot earlier than first planned, so i have been at home for the last 7 weeks of my pregnancy - just...waiting... haha i am on due on monday and am dreading having to wait any longer for my little bundle. But the midwife has booked me in for an induction on Tuesday! (woohoo) so hopefully I wont have to wait much longer! I am not sure why she's planning to induce after only one day - i was under the impression they usually wait around ten days overdue before they induce - hmmmm?? i've had some swelling and excessive weight gain in the last two weeks, do you think it would have something to do with that? i didnt actually ask as i did not think she meant an induction while we were chatting, i only realised afterwards

[DoubleK]

its nice to know im not alone!!!

i cant help but think that i will end up having to be induced again though which i really really dont want to happen. i want it to happen naturally, when she is well and ready! i want to be able to use the birthing centre... the thought of going into a regular birth room scares me. im trying not to think about it, but its so hard!

ahh well.. my next countdown is my next birth centre appointment on monday @ 4.15. so i guess ill focus on that for now! (..and hopefully actually go into labour in the meantime )

goodluck everyone!!!!

[DoubleK]

elise i missed your post. i also finished up work early (around 28 weeks i think!) i had terrible terrible pain in my pelvis, i could barely stand! now, at 40 weeks, i am able to run up and down steps.. wheres the logic? lol

i was induced @ 14 days over with DD1.. my doctor was happy to leave it for as long as possible, so perhaps your OB does have other concerns? not sure if you've had bub or not by now though!