37 weeks

[jenken82]

I’m 37 weeks tomorrow and so far good. It’s my first baby so I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or signs to look out for regarding labor.

I have read that you can star dilating in the days/weeks before birth, but how do you know?

The midwife has said that the baby’s head is engaged and to drink raspberry leaf tea to speed things along. I’ve had very very slight cramping on and off over the past few days and feel a little out of sorts today, really tired with a headache. Also I’ve started to get pimples on my face, which I never get only around the time my period would be due.

The baby is moving loads so all is good there. Any info would be greatly appreciated xx

[Claire2225]

Hi, everyone is different hun but I woke up on the Friday morning before having my son at around 4am feeling the need to constantly empty my bowels then I started getting really bad pains in my back which just got worse and worse throughout the day, I was due for a scan that date to check baby’s growth they also examined me and said your 1cm your pain take pain paracetamol and just basically wait it got worse I couldn’t settle I ended up going back within 2hrs they checked me again as paracetamol and Codine that they gave me wouldn’t take the pain away the thing was I wasn’t contracting in my belly it was all in my back I didn’t end up going home I had my son at 1:10am on the Saturday, my waters didn’t break I had him in his sac and I also didn’t loose my plug either just follow your instincts if you feel different ring the Midwifes at hospital it’s what they are there for xxx

[Georgina_D]

I went for a wee at 3am on a sunday then a poo at 3.30 am and found a small amount of blood in knickers. I was not in pain at all but due to bleed I was told to go hospital where I was told I was 3cm dilated. My waters were broken at 11pm sunday as I was overdue and was still 3cm dilated and not in pain. Active labour started within 2 hours Baby was born 6.30 am the following day (monday)

You don't need to go hospital until you are in active labour (painful contractions, 3 every 10 mins for at least 1 hour). The pain is intense.. you can't talk easily through a contraction.

Hope the above helps x

[jenken82]

Thanks ladies, I think I’m just getting a little apprehensive at this stage xx

[Georgina_D in reply to jenken82]

Don't get aprehensive! I was like that. . Baby didn't arrive until after 41 weeks! Just enjoy the last few weeks and sleep as much as possible. Make sure you are well rested. Save energy for labour.. you will need it x

[Hidden]

You’ll know when your labour starts niggling pains that carry on getting stronger and stronger I agree don’t go into hospital until you can’t stand the pain best be at home as long as you can.

[Loubump]

My best advice - is make sure your hubby / birthing partner knows where everything is in your hospital bag - also just go with what your body wants to do - the labour will be 100% worth it xxxx

[Ribena1987]

From my experience, if you have had Braxton Hicks you will notice that they get more intense in the days leading up to birth. Backache and a need to go to the toilet more are also signs that the baby is coming. To speed things along I would recommend doing yoga that is designed for preparing for birth. Also use a birthing ball and do some walking. All of the above encourages the baby into the right position and prepares your body for labour. Yoga breathing will help with contractions.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy x