This whole pregnancy thing is soo complicated, and explanations are soo varied. We’ve pieced together what’s happening.

This post sums it up pretty well. There are three stages to labour.

1. build up
2. pushing and birth
3. delivering the placenta

The first stage has multiple phases (2 or 3 depending who you ask), but given how variable it all is, the distinction between the two phases of the first stage seems somewhat arbitrary.

Anyway, Caroline has been having irregular contractions for a few days, but because Oscar is a little bit back-to-back she feels the contractions in her back, rather than her front. They’ve been fairly strong since yesterday evening.

We don’t know how long it’ll be before we need to go to hospital. It could be in a few hours, or maybe I’ll be back at work on Monday and we’ll still be waiting! (Every day this week it’s been a surprise that I’m at work.)

For now, we’re gonna chill and play Lego Star Wars (in short bursts between contractions).

The midwife confirmed that Oscar is fine (phew! Is this what the next 18 years are going to be like?!) and tells us Caroline has entered the first phase of the first stage of labour. Her body is getting ready, and contractions are irregular. Oscar is a little bit back-to-back so that’s why she feels the pain in her back.

Caroline is trying to get rested before the next phase.

Caroline has been having twinges and progressively worse back pain for SIX days. Tonight we started to worry. By pressing my ear to Caroline’s belly, I could hear Oscar’s heartbeat. It’s strong and regular and a huge source of relief.

Tomorrow, Caroline will see the midwife to get an update on progress.