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@chantelle this is my first pregnancy and I know this may sound stupid I’ve had what I think are braxton hicks but I don’t know myself if I will know the difference of them and real contractions but I suppose everyone’s body is different.
@Morgon trust me, you’ll know 😂 I used to think this but the feeling is so different. Real contractions made my Braxon Hicks look like a tickle.
@Levi I’m honestly so so nervous for it all🥹🥹
@Morgon Noo you don’t sound stupid at all. You are definitely right about everyone’s experiences being different, and I’m currently in my first pregnancy too so I can’t give advice from experience, but I can give advice that I’ve had from my midwife and just hope it helps. Braxton hicks should be painless, shouldn’t last for very long and are not regular, if your contractions become more intense over time, become regular and last for longer amounts of time, then it’s best to call your maternity unit to let them know. I’ve been told that if you have around 5 or 6 contractions within 10 minutes then to call your maternity unit as it’s most likely the start of labour. Hope everything goes well for you and also if your waters break don’t wait for contractions to start if they haven’t, call your maternity unit as soon as you think your waters could have broken. Good luck, hope this helps you a bit!! ☺️☺️
@Morgon you'll know the difference between braxton hicks and real contractions, trust me!
I had awful diarrhoea and mild cramps the few days before I went into labour. I never had a “show”. One thing I will say is still eat and drink as much as possible, even if it does go straight through you. Your body will need the energy from food if it is labour.
I never had a show although I was induced, I did have braxton hicks and actual contractions were massively different 😭 the only way to know for sure would be contractions, although if you are worried about any tightenings etc you can go to your maternity unit and get monitored. I did this with my daughter x
I had signs of labour for about 3 weeks beforehand. Cramping, diarrhoea, very intense pressure. My baby didn't come until 41+5 and that was after 2 sweeps. My waters didn't break until about 1 minute before he was born and never had a show. You'll know when real contractions arrive. Make the most of this time and try not to will it along 🤣 I'm grateful for the extra few weeks now 🤣
Sounds like you have diarrhoea, sometimes it can happen when your body is preparing for birth, but not necessarily a sign of anything. As ChiChi said, the only signs of labour, are contractions, and unfortunately, even those aren't a clear sign at times (I had contractions for 2 weeks & badly for 5 days but only dilated 1cm & ended up having an emergency c section.) childbirth is unpredictable
I recently did an antenatal class which was ran by a midwife, and she said diarrhoea can be your body getting ready for labour as your bowels start to empty itself in order to make more space in the birth canal for when baby is ready to be born. Not technically an official sign of labour I don’t think, but it could be your body preparing for labour to start soon. Just keep an eye on any contractions you get from now on to make sure they aren’t being confused with Brixton hicks!! Good luck☺️