Do early labour pains always come with tightenings?

[TonksLupin]

I'm 38+3 and I've had 2 sweeps as I can't go overdue (due to various, long term back problems). After my sweep on Thursday, I lost my plug but didn't have any other signs, baby was still quite high. I had another sweep yesterday and have had more bloody show, baby was almost fully engaged.

For the past few hours I've been having cramps at the bottom of my bump, they aren't overly painful and aren't regular. When I have the pains, I don't get tightenings, so not contractions. Could these still be early labour pains or would there need to be tightenings at the same time? This is my first baby.

Sorry to disappoint but they could just be braxton hicks. Ive had them for the past couple of weeks (im 36+5 with my 2nd baby).

I had tightening pains from late afternoon on Saturday till about 23:30, i really thought we were having an early lift off .......... but nothing!

BUT... considering you've had a bloody show this could be a the start for you, fingers crossed. Keep us posted and good luck
x

Sounds like the start of my 2nd labour :-) DD was born about 8 hours later!

I think tightenings start at the top not the bottom but everyone is different. I give birth within 12 hours of a bloody show so it could be.

Do some walking or bouncy on the ball or walk upstairs to see if you can move things along? Dont take a hot bath as it seemed to slow things down for me!

Good luck and congrats xx

If you are worried please call the labour ward.