Is it time?

Thanks, everyone. Well, the aches and pains and cramps apparently are a result of the baby engaging. As I am 37 weeks the midwife didn't want to do an internal (it might speed things up), just let things take the course they are on, but it looks like things are moving. How long it takes is anyone's guess, could go tonight, could go next week. But he is moving. Since this is the second baby, I am thinking it will be sooner rather than later if he is engaging but it's all guesswork now.

Very uncomfortable!!

Good luck, Stella!  Fingers x'd for you!

It could be you are already dilated!  Here's hoping that baby just pops right out with minimal pains soon.

It is so uncomfortable with their head wedged down there!  Aillidh engaged very early, and I was waddling like John Wayne for weeks. 

In the last two days my walk has noticeably changed. No longer that wide-hip sway waddle, more oddly thighs closer together, if that makes sense. I am hoping that I am already dilated, or dilating - I have a feeling that it won't be too long. The B-H's are almost non-stop now. Did you know that fresh pineapple is supposed to help move things along? I got one on the way home and will be scarfing some later. Apparently the enzymes in the fruit do something, so the midwife says. Couldn't resist the fresh watermelon, either, which my daughter got as her after-school snack.

I feel like a pregnant cat looking for a dark corner.

Jack never engaged. Even when I was in labor his head was just too big to engage. 42cm!! But none the less the contractions were strong.

Lots and lots of labor vibes coming your way Stella!!

I don't know about pineapples but iced raspberry leaf tea helped me.  That and a curry and a lot of spicy quesadillas. Sounds like you don't have long to go now Stella, fingers crossed for a quick & easy delivery.

The last meal I ate before going into labor was quiche. Weird because I dont even like quiche and dont really know why it was in the house. I ate the quiche and a few hours later labor began. I was just 38 weeks plus one day.
Then I remember that Lunar told me she ate quiche before her labor started also.

Eat well!  I had a bacon roll and chips and was soooo sorry I hadn't eaten more b/c the labour lasted for 24 hours.  Dang, was I hungry after that!

My best friend is in labour!  She's 10 days overdue and has been having contractions since this morning.  FINALLY!  If I wasn't sick, I'd be heading to hospital with them.  Sigh.  Now I'm just on mobile stand-by.  Hopefully the baby will be here by morning.   

I second that.  Eat and sleep as much as you can.  I heard the same about pineapples.  Ate 3 of the suckers trying to get my labor started with my last baby. What finally did it was a 3 mile forrest hike.  I was 10 days overdue and desperate!  

Just enjoy the time before your baby comes, cuddle your chlid tons and relax as much as possible.  Sending good wishes your way...

Just an update. Apparently it was not time. Whatever it was, was a hiccup because I now seem to be back on that coasting sort of track -- it doesn't feel like impending labor any more. Depending on which due-date I go with, basically sometime in the 20s of June, I have a couple weeks left. Who knows. It's a little nervewrecking by my husband is really on pins and needles, poor man.

Has anyone used raspberry leaf tea at this stage in pregnancy? Did it help?

Just wanted to wish you luck, Stella. I never tried the raspberry leaf tea. I was 14 days overdue (supposedly) with all 3 of mine. Maybe I should have given it a try.  Best wishes to you, your hubs and darling daughter.

  Cyndi

Havent tried the rasperry tea either but my heart goes out to you, Stella. I have been there four times and each time it seems my pregnancy is longer and longer. Chances are when you are having your BEST day, that will be THE day!

Britwife mentions raspberry leaf tea earlier in the thread, Stella.  Tastes yummy, too!

That last fortnight is the most uncomfortable, isn't it?

The baby's being engaged is a good thing, though. 

I agree w/Peebles about the best day being 'the day'.  I felt really good the day I went into labour with Aillidh.  Well, until the contractions started. 

Labour vibes to you!

Yes I drank litres of raspberry leaf tea (it was summer so I made it iced)  the week before I was due. I still went  5 days over but he came shooting out like a bullet!