Regular tightenings with strong period cramps - but they're very frequent. This isn't right for early labour, right?

[Electroswing]

I'm 40+1, and for the last 2-3 hours I've been having Braxton Hicks-like tightenings accompanied by a strong period cramp feeling. Not enough to make me want painkillers, or even get in the bath - but stronger than my pre-pregnancy menstrual pain. I've been timing them, and they're coming anywhere from 15 to 6 minutes apart - mostly around the 8 minute mark. They don't last long, no more than 15 seconds or so.

I've had no show and no mucous plug loss.

This doesn't seem right for early labour - I thought contractions were supposed to be further apart if this mild?

Is this just one of those weird late pregnancy things? Will it go away? Or can labour start this way? Anyone any experience?

My second labour started exactly like that then progressed very quickly. They were about 8 minutes apart for 45 minutes or so, then I had a show. Ds2 arrived 2 hours later.

Good luck

I also agree with mrscog! I had lots of pains/braxton hicks in the last 2 weeks of my pregnancy with number 3. Usually a bath and going to bed would make them ease off. I knew I was in labour when I tried that and the pains just kept coming!

Each of my labours started in completely different ways though. My waters went before any pain at all with number 1. Number 2 started with very mild pains every 10/15 minutes that went on all day before the proper pains started.

Good luck OP!

Good idea about bed, thanks. Not sure I'll be able to sleep through the cramps, but I might try a bath and popping a few paracetamol.

They're still going, varying between 7 and 9 minutes apart. DH has been timing them and is getting his hospital bits ready just in case My bags have been packed for months . . .

Here's hoping! I have been very fed up at going past my due date. Getting a bit tired of peoples' silly questions about when she's going to come out I will be very happy if this is it!

Big glass of wine if it helps you sleep.

mine started same way - good luck op :)

Hmm no updates, wonder if the OP is sound asleep or having a baby.... :)

Ooh, hoping for an update soon
Thinking of you Electroswing x

Good luck OP.

Well, I wasn't asleep

I went to hospital in the small hours of Monday, and had my baby on Tuesday morning. She was back to back, as PPs suggested might be the case. I progressed quite well and got to full dilation, but her position and the length of the labour meant I was knackered at the end and couldn't get her out, so I had a lovely spinal and then a forceps delivery.

Not what I imagined, but absolutely fine!

Thanks everyone for your advice, it was all really useful. Cheers MN

awww congratulations xx how lovely xxx

An ickle tiny baby!

Awww, congratulations Electroswing

Well done, I was thinking of you ! Made my morning !

congratulations! enjoy those lovely, snuffly baby cuddles

Yeay! congratulations :)