Think I over did it today - could I have encouraged labour?

I had quite a gardening session today - I spent about seven hours digging, planting and weeding. Soon after I finished up my back and hips started to ache, which I expected, but now I'm getting bad braxton hicks, sharp pains in my va-jayjay, pressure from bubba's head and he/she is giving me BIG hard kicks...

Is this just my body telling me off for over doing it? Or could I have given things a kick start? Anyone been here?

I'm not sure whether over-activity can stimulate labour or not, but I could have written your post. I too went a bit crazy today, except instead of gardening, I cleaned and baked and couldn't seem to stop!

Must be that nesting thing.

And same, all arvo I've have strong BH and some stronger period like pains. But they all kind of die down when I relax and stop moving, so despite my initial hopes, it seems labour is (still) not imminent.

Hey, at least we got some gardening/ house cleaning done!!

I really think if bub is ready then he/she will come regardless of activity - although walking etc can be known to bring on labour for some people!
I was 5 days overdue and had a day out shopping and getting wedding stuff organised for a girlfriend who was getting married the week after. We were out and about with lots of walking in between from 9am until 6pm and Iz was 11 days late :rolleyes: Rest up as much as you can too - if you do go into labour you want to save your strength!!

I have heard of women going for long walks and having vigorous BD, mowing lawns, vacuuming and moping to bring labour on maybe you girls have done it. I agree with Tanstar rest up now cos you'll need you're strength

Thanks for your advice ladies. Well everything has settled down now so I'll just keep playing the waiting game.... and get some much needed rest - you're right I'll need my strength!

Jess - glad you got some house work done too, the nesting instinct is strong - I can't stop! Good luck with everything :)

I overdid it shopping one day at about 38 weeks when PG with my 2nd. I almost couldn't drive home but within a few hours of flopping on the couch it had all settled down.

There were a few times late in my pregnancy with Emily where I had overdone it, and I'd pay for it that night. When I actually did go into labour, I was just sitting around doing nothing, and my entire labour I spent lying down (didn't have the energy to do anything else!). I also suggest resting up, you'll need all the energy you can get when labour does start.