How to tell the difference between early labour and normal aches and pains?

[Twitchett22]

After reading one of the other threads, I was wondering how I'd know if I'm in early labour or all these aches and pains are normal for 38weeks? Over the last 3/4 days:

• nausea (no sickness)
  
• sloppyish poos (not diarrhoea but smellier than normal)
  
• backache a bit like period pains (more annoying than painful)
  
• bump feels sore inside
  
• 2 episodes of waking with very sharp stitch like pain in my side last night
  
• crying all the time
  
• braxton hicks (i think, only randomly and for a few seconds, never had them before)
  
• still getting sharp stabbing pains in my bits but now occasionally spreads to my bum.
  

Obvs babys getting heavier, im getting heavier etc so I dont know if all of this is just what it's like or whether i can get excited about labour starting soon?

[TwigTheWonderKid]

I had period- type pains every evening for about 2 weeks before DS2 was born. With DS1 I had similar type pain the afternoon before I went into labour. However, my labour with DS2 once it did start properly was over really quickly whereas with DS1 it went on for hours and hours.

[ExhaustedAndHormonal]

I'm the same. Except nauseated or braxton hicks. Not crying but angry at the least thing.
I wondered the same, as had all the other things you've said. I'm 38 weeks

[annlee3817]

When the period type pains started for me, they were every 8-10 mins, so whilst just a full ache they had regularity to them. Everyone is different though. I also had regular Braxton Hicks during the day and Everytime I went for a wee there were specks of light pink blood in the toilet, like a show I guess but on and off all day. Labour started early hours of the following day.

[annlee3817]

*dull ache

[lljkk]

When you don't like coping with the pain any more. ime.

[Sunshinesaz86]

I had regular contractions for 12 hrs in my first labour, but they didn’t get stronger. Died down managed a full night sleep then the next morning started up again but getting noticeably stronger by 7pm I went in as I knew it was the real thing! Baby was born 4am. You know once it’s hsppening as the pain is much stronger x

[Lj8893]

Sounds like pre labour / early labour to me. But it could go on for days yet! Just your body warming up for the real thing.

[Twitchett22]

Thanks all. Seeing the mw tomorrow, do they ever check your cervix or anything as routine at this stage at antenatal appointments or is it only when you look like you're in established labour? Just preparing myself in case she wants to examine me and i wasn't expecting it lol

[Lj8893]

No she shouldn't want to check your cervix at this point.