I have period like cramps that are on and off, as well as nausea on and off, and BH on top. Feel pretty crappy. Baby is not engaged I think, but is this something to do with labour or just the usual aches?

could be a good sign..my labour with dd1 started with period like cramps which eventually got stronger...however if you are not feeling well I would ring your midwife for advice

oooooooh Comma! It could be it! Baby does not always engage prior to labour...and often labour starts with period pains...i would call midwife. If you have a stomach bug or something, you might want to seek medical advice anyway, as you are so close to your due date....

<claps hands>

Could be you be the 4th?

My labour started with what felt very much like period pains from when I was a teenager - low down aches and cramps. Turned out that was what all my contractions felt like, as the same sort of pain simply got more intense and closer together and my son was born 12 hours later..... I didn't have any BH so can't comment on that, but it sounds as if you could be in early labour.

Rest up, sleep, eat - see how it goes and good luck!

So does the belly not necessarily bunch up with those period-cramp like contractions? because mine doesn't. Just feel like crap and cramps for a short minute, then okay again. Should I time this?

Don't necessarily want to go into labour this weekend, as my doctor isn't in the hospital till Monday...not that it is up to me though, I understand.

Comma2 - that is how I felt before my second birth. I felt like that at 5pm
I knew I was in labour at 9pm

DD was born at 2am

I would make sure my bag was packed if I were you

Comma2 - that's how my labout began second time round. Very definite period pains, which quickly settled into full blown contractions. First pain to birth was 9 hours.

I'd think about getting yourself sorted in case you need to head off to hospital. However labour is a fickle thing and all may well settle down again.

I'll be watching this thread to see how you get on.

Thank you lovely ladies!

I took a bath and haven't had the cramps for half an hour now. Maybe I will try and get my circulation going a bit even though I feel like curling up and moaning. My lower belly is all achy and still have BHs.

Even if this is not true labour, it could certainly be your body warming up in readiness, so get your bags by the door in earnest. Maybe LO is hanging on til monday for you, just practising!

39 weeks and period-ish cramps?!

Sounds good to me!!

<settles down>