is this the start of things?

[Tequilatequila]

Not had any strong contractions or waters go or anything. Just period pai s that have got progressively worse all day with the odd tightening and odd stingy feeling that feels like my cervix. Is this likely to be the start of thingsor could i still have ages left? 39 weeks atm. So frustrated!

I had similar pains but only after a sweep & I had my lb the next day 39 weeks + 1
I'm sure mine was because of the sweep but yours could be the natrual way...you will soon find out ;)
Good luck!

Is this your first and have you been having painful BH's already?? With my first I woke up with what felt like painful period pains and had a bloody show, the pains were regular and got worse so I knew it was labour. Also I hadn't felt any BH's throughout the pregnancy.

This time round I have been having painful BH's since quite early in the pregnancy and the last 2 or 3 weeks have been having pains like you are describing which haven't really led to anything, although they haven't got worse. You will know if it is labour as the pains will keep getting worse and closer together.

If I were you I would take a couple of paracetamol and try to rest because if it is the real thing and you'll know if it is soon enough you will need your energy. It sounds promising though- Good luck!!

By the way I am 39+5 and have been getting period pains and pains in my cervix since 37 weeks but this is meant to be quite common with second pregnancies anyway so doesn't mean it will be the same for you.

with my first, I started having weak period pains on a Monday at 38 weeks. They got progressively stronger and by Wed I was having weak contractions. Plug went in bits over 3 days (Mon-Wed). Thurs afternoon contractions got strong enough for us to realise I was in early labour. DS was born Fri, early afternoon.

This time round, I've been having period pains and various other symptoms on and off for weeks still no baby to show for it and going seriously overdue!

So yes, if this is your first, I'd say things must be moving, although it's impossible to say whether you'll give birth tomorrow or next week.

You could try a bath, if your pains get better then it's not serious yet. Also if they get better when you lie down after being active, or get active after lying down, it's early days yet. If nothing affects your pains then it's more likely you'll go into labour within the next few days.

Good luck!