How long do you/would you wait before calling mw?

Been having cramps and pains since last Thursday which I put down to pre-labour stuff.

Yesterday got a bit leaky (thought it might have been waters but not sure if its that or just watery dripy CM as there wasn't very much of it... still a bit leaky but nothing like yesterday so probably CM), and contractions which seemed to be regular except I didn't time because I didn't want to worry about it.

Shel came home and timed (of course lol) and at 6pm they were 10 minutes apart and about 20-30 seconds ... which surprised me as it didn't seem like they were that close together. I don't know if these are *real* contractions or not because they're very different to BHs but not very painful, right before one my heart starts beating really fast, and then the contraction is just tight in whole belly and a bit of a push/pinch down in my cervix area, and tight up into my ribs making it a bit tricky to breathe. At 9pm I started getting back pain, like someone had clenched their fists and were digging their knuckles into my back, but thee contractions themselves weren't painful as such, just tight and pinchy and leaving me breathless.

That went on all night, the backache slowly getting worse but I slept a little, just waking up every now and then to a very tight contraction.

Today the backache is constant, but the contractions still aren't very painful just a lot tighter and the pinch on my cervix is harder, and still roughly about 10 minutes apart and lasting almost a minute.

Ok, so with all of that... Shel keeps nagging me to call the midwife... I don't really want to because first of all I'm pretty sure all they'll say is I can either stay at home and wait it out or come in and be put on a monitor to watch the contractions and all that. Secondly, we have an appointment tomorrow at 2pm so I figure I might as well just wait it out, if anything like my waters break or it gets really painful we'll head off tonight but I can just mention it tomorrow?

Though with them being 10 minutes for so long, should I call? Thats my main question I guess... is it normal to just have contractions coming regluarly, getting stronger (but not exactly painful) but not getting considerably closer for almost 24 hours? I can't seem to find anything that says yes or no... Is it just one of those individual things, or should they be moving together by now? I really have no desire to go to the hospital right now because I'm comfy at home so I don't want to call and be told to come in and be monitored, but I don't want to do anything that might be dangerous for the baby...

What do you think? Should I call? Should I go in and get monitored? Or just wait til tomorrow or if something happens tonight?

I usually call as I know I'm going to be there quickly. I call to let them know I'll be there soon.No matter what, as long as you can talk through the cntx, they are happy for you to stay at home.

hang in there, you will have bubs in the next few days. Call and have a chat, maybe let them know whats going on?

ETA - stay home, stay upright! Dont worry about monitoring for now (if at all!)

If you can still feel bubble kicking that's a pretty good indicator that she's fin in there.
Have you been walking and staying upright? That can help if labour is a bit slow.
If you're feeling ok at home and feeling regular movements I don't see any reason to go to hospital for monitering. That said if you do go you don't have to stay - just get your reassurance and walk out of there if that will help you relax.

DON'T call the world!!

Do you need me to come up and bounce for you, still or have you sorted everything?!

Oh how exciting Leasha - sounds like you'll get to meet your princess soon! I have no advice as I never felt any contractions or went into labour, but I'm cheering you on from my desk!!

Leah that sounds like how my contractions felt hun, but i progressed in one day.
Getting close, good luck!

Woohooo - but first time labours can seem to take forever and the lead up to active labour can seem very slow. if 10 mins apart and not too painful and can talk(?) - i would try and ride it out until your appt.

You might have had a hindwater leak - but that is fine if you and bubs feel fine.

maybe Shel needs some direction, some info to work with KWIM??? - so wouldn't hurt to talk to a midwife - and then you know what your options are.

Personally, I would give them a call - not because I think you need to, just to stop your mind doing the 'should I call, should I not' all day.

Like someone else said, even if you go in, it doesn't mean you have to stay there. I went in when my waters broke and then went home after a quick check.

I guess it depends on why you feel you should call iykwim.
If you feel ok, and know the baby is ok - then I wouldn't call. Contrax 10 minutes apart, it's not likely you'll have the baby at home yet ;)

But if you feel that you should go in and be checked, do it. I always tell mums it's very important to listen to that intuition. You can always come home again - if your waters are intact (which sounds like they are) and baby is happy they won't want you stay anyway.

Good luck it sounds like you'll have a baby soon! How exciting!!

How are you doing Leasha? Does your conspicuous absence since you first posted mean that Bubble is seriously on her way? *starts stalking birth announcements*...

Go Leasha!!!!!!