Help- Can contractions feel like pressure?

I have a painful pressure pain and crampy feeling in my lower back/lower abdomen and pelvic area. It woke me up from sleep and it's too painful to sleep with it. They're coming every 3-5 mins, I'm 40+5 weeks. Is this labour? I have no idea. They're getting more painful. I'm hydrated. Thanks xx

in our community

If you had a c section did they announce your hemorrhoid status in the recovery room?

I don't remember this from the first time but when they were moving me to the recovery bed they flipped me over like a fish they just caught, examined my rear and announced "no hemorrhoids" to the room. 😭😂

Bump is still so high

39+3 I’m so exhausted I’m unwell I’m drained I’m tired and I just have no signs of labour really and my bump is still SO HIGH does your bump always drop before labour or it is a myth?

What to do

I have my c-section coming up in a few days and found out the date when I received my letter at the weekend. I’m quite a private person so I decided to only tell my parents and partner. I have 2 older sisters but decided I would tell them the night before. My sister called me to ask the date and I made out I didn’t know it as I didn’t want to tell her. She took it upon herself to ring the hospital and they told her the date of my c-section. I don’t know if I’m being dramatic but I think that’s insane as she’s not listed as an emergency contact anywhere, and I’m quite irritated that they’ve told her because she could’ve been anybody. I’m not sure whether it’s worth putting a complaint in or not?

Sorry it’s long lol

Elective section what was your reason?

For those who had elective section please would you mind sharing your reason? 😊

C-section recovery

Hi all, I ended up having a C-section a fortnight ago and I have had to ask for more medication as I still had pain after the period they gave medication for. I’ve finished the blood thinning injections and now have the anti inflammatory and dehydrocodine if needed.

I’m finding that I’m having an on and off sharp pain in my right hand side that some days are barely there and I feel like I don’t need meds, then other days it’s unbearable.. is this normal recovery or something I need to bring up with my midwife? I’m also finding I am bleeding.. then it completely stops.. then starts heavy again ?!?

Health visitor just said it’s normal? But wanted to see if anyone had this?

Does anybody plan to not make any decisions until 42 weeks?

Which is a normal time? So many of you deciding on being induced at 41 weeks. Why? Why not wait until 42 weeks? Or at least 41+5? I understand high risk pregnancies. But rushing your baby out when your pregnancy is healthy? So many of you will end up with emergency c section... and im not saying it to add more stress to you. Im saying it because I went through it two years ago, when I wasn't aware of NHS system and that they mostly securing themselves, not us, women. I personally am waiting with making any decision until my 40 weeks scan, already discussed with husband. If baby don't arrive, elective c section at 41+6. Previous induction ended up with emergency c section.