Is this the start?? Advice please...

[festive]

Am 39 weeks today, got up this morning and had a lot diahorrea (sorry tmi). Have been having tightenings approx every 15-20mins since then. Some are stronger and more painful than others. They have not got any closer together but they have been regular throughout the day so far and last a good minute each, sometimes longer. Have had a little more diahorrea once more since this morning (and have felt as though I need to go a few more times, when i get the tightenings). Have not had a show or anything like that. Could this be the start??

Ooooohhhh,sounds like it could well be!
I never had a show with either of mine,and was induced at 40 plus10 with both,so not much use with starting off naturally.
Good luck!

Yup. I had d and v.

Keep timing and see how you feel. Make sure you drink plenty of water if you've had diahorrea.

Are the tightenings making you pant yet?

Thanks woopsidaisy! Its my first so have no idea if these are braxton hicks or the real thing or how you even tell the difference! And if they are the real thing then how close labour could be eg days still or if I should be prepared for something soon! Its a minefield...

miniwedge some of them have made me stop and do my breathing / panting but not all...
all have been tightening and hardening of my whole / top of bump and some have been accompanied by period-y type cramps / pains below my bump as well.
x