braxton hicks ramping up

[LoobyLou33]

I'm nearly 38 weeks with dc2 and have been having braxton Hicks off and on during the past two weeks. But since last night they've become much more frequent, sometimes every 5-10 minutes. Could labour be near or can that happen 2-3 weeks before baby comes?

Frustrating isn't it!
I've had BH from 16 weeks, getting steadily stronger. 38+1 now and have had 6 days of intermittent contractions. Sometimes regular, then nothing for hours. Strong enough to wake me from sleep but not full blown enough for me to think its labour (dc2 for me too). Really really hope it's the start of something soon for both of us!

I never noticed any with dd, few times with ds, this time they go on and on!! Woken me up a few times, strong after sex last night all evening. Hoping favourable sign too as induced both times before fir being overdue REALLY don't want third one Oh and I'm 37+4