Is this it? I am not sure!

[MtnBikeChick]

I have been having pre-labour symptoms since last weekend, when I had a long night of strong BH and practice contractions. Since then I have been cramping and having lower back cramps raidating to my lower abdomen fairly regularly, but have kept going about my daily routine, walking, exercising, yoga, going for lunch etc etc. Last night I had what felt like bad period cramps, mainly in my back, all night - which woke me up but weren't exactly "timable". I slept on and off. This morning I had what I can only assume was a show, blood streaked mucus and then I went for a walk. When I got back about 2 hours ago, my trousers felt a bit wet (no gush of water) and since then when I have stood up from sitting, I have felt a bit of something leaking - enough to soak through a pad and my underwear. It isn't discharge. I know I am being silly but is this potentially my waters breaking? I am not having contractions, only cramping.
Thanks and sorry for silly questions!

sounds like the start of labour to me

It may be but it could go on like this for a while. Have a look at this website:

warm up labour

Sounds like things are definitely starting, might be 'early labour' though. I thought contractions felt more like cramps so this could be what you're feeling. I expected contractions to cover the whole bump iykwim, but was surprised to find they were more like backache or period pain, very low down.

Make sure you keep active, it might go on for a few days before it gets going properly. If you get fed up/tired, see if you can get a sweep to kick things off properly.

I have to say that I disagree with the 'keepping active' school of thought as most 1st labours tend to take a while to get started and can go on like this for days so getting as much rest as possible is more important to conserve your energy for when things do kick off.

Thank you so much - that article is absolutely excellent.

Happy to help , I only wish somebody had pointed it out to me when I was pregnant with DC1, I truly believe it would have made the difference between a natural birth and the e-s-sect that I ended up having! Ah well! At least I now know what to do when I go into labour in January! Wishing you all the best and remember to take it easy!