Is it labour? Or is it not?

Not me! As Sam is obviously already born.

My step-sister.

Came over for dinner. Has heaps of niggles, tightenings and pains.   Has on and off back pain and pains that start in the back and wrap around the middle of her bump. Has had diarrhea for the last two-three days.

Had a contraction, was quite painful and lasted 30 seconds. Half an hour later had another contraction that was worse than the last one, but still 30 seconds. Two minutes later has a really really painful contraction.

Very flushed, feels hot, has bubbling feeling that she describes as like the quickening feeling you get when you can feel baby moving for the first time.

She says it just feels 'different'.

She is 37 weeks and 1 day and was told at her specialist appointment on tuesday that she probably wouldn't go past 38 weeks because of a myriad of complications and the fact that she is very very small and baby is measuring a reasonably good size.

Does this sound like labour? She's gone home to her house now as her dad is staying with her. (her mum and my dad are in America and coming home Sunday)

I am her stand-in birthing partner and am wondering whether or not to start getting readyish?

Any advice much appreciated!

Thanks

Renee, I once asked someone how I would know when I was in labour and they told me not to worry that I would know! Well it is true. If your step sister is in labour she will know it. If she isn't sure, it is very likely that she isn't in labour

Well, she just called me this morning to say that she still feels very different, is having irregular contractions, the pressure down there has gone away, don't know if this is a sign of labour? Her feet and ankles are very swollen and she is going to the toilet constantly but isn't feeling that horrible pressure you get at the end of pregnancy.

I'm ready to go if she needs me, so I guess it's just a waiting game now.

She has been in contact with her midwife, and she also thinks that it's likely he will come soon. He was posterior a few weeks ago, but at her latest appointment he had turned back to anterior and was almost fully engaged. She said this morning that she doesn't feel so much pressure from the head. I felt less pressure too at 37 weeks and that was because Sam had turned breech. This is the first time she's had any swelling, and we made sure that it wasn't in her hands or face, although she did have a really bad tension headache last night.

I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Sterryn wrote: Renee, I once asked someone how I would know when I was in labour and they told me not to worry that I would know! Well it is true. If your step sister is in labour she will know it. If she isn't sure, it is very likely that she isn't in labour

OMG that is so very very true!

Renee all you and your friend can do is wait. It's good that she's been in contact with her MW due to her complications and the "contractions". It's hard not to get excited when you get those feelings (heck, I'm excited for you both! LOL) but I promise she will know.

Btw, what an amazing opportunity for you to be the birth partner you must feel very honoured, I know I would. All the best to you and your sister