Just need to share as I am driving myself nuts!! I am 37 weeks today and woke up at 2.30am which a very sharp pain to the side of my bump which I had to breathe through. It coincided with a BH contraction. I lay there thinking oh goodness I am not ready for this!! Then I started timing things as I couldn't get back to sleep because the tightenings and period type pains were coming every 5 mins and lasting 30 secs. Not painful as such, but uncomfortable.
After an hour I needed the loo and lets say I cleared my bowels out 
. I was awake for a further 2 hours before finally dropping off. I woke up at 7 still with the tightenings, just the same as before, which are still going now. I haven't had a show but have, er, done more bowel clearing.
Any ideas? This is my third so I should know really, but both my previous labours started with my waters breaking and then nothing for 12 hours before labour started in earnest.
I need to go to Tesco - dare I venture out?? DH doesn't believe things might be starting and we have a decorator coming tomorrow. I am planning a homebirth and all DH can say is wait until after the room has been painted 
!!
Sorry this is so long, I am feeling a bit edgy!