is this labour?....

[tinyme135]

I am 39+1 and for the past few days I've been having what feels like period cramps. last night they got pretty bad but once I got into bed and after the pain subsided I fell asleep. today I thought I'd go out and see if this will start it off. I was having period like cramping on and off all day but thought it was because I have been up all day. tonight I have gone on a cleaning spree, but now my back is killing me and when it does I get mild cramping. I've also had uncomfortable feeling in my inner thighs. I have been feeling sick since last night too and lost all appetite.

It also feels like the baby is trying to push himself out and my stomach tightens when he does. last week I was 3/5 engaged but today my mum said I've dropped even more since last week.

Maybe, maybe not. It's really hard to tell until your in it. I had three nights of full on and very obvious contractions before labour really kicked off. They'd get closer together and stringer only to subside a few hours later. It totally sucked but at my midwives appointment on 39+6 I was 1.5 cm dialated and my sweep got me going properly. So while it was annoying, it was doing something!

I had irregular stomach tightenings the day before I went into labour and regular tightenings with dull period pain just hours before which I timed on the contraction timer and were eight mins apart. Everyone is different, some can experience tightenings, pain and pressure for weeks before. If you are really unsure give the labour ward a ring. As far as contractions go though, my first one bought me pretty much to my knees, there was bo mistaking it.

what I'm going to do (as we have a long day tomorrow and need to get to sleep) see if I can get to sleep but if I can't as I'm in pain or I keep waking up from the pain I'm gonna call them. I'm one of those people who hates to waste their time.

Could well be early stages. It could carry on like that for days (sorry) or it could suddenly ramp up a gear. I think you're right to take a paracetamol (or whatever you're now allowed in pregnancy!) and try to sleep now. Good luck! Keep us posted...

Sounds similar to what I had for 2/3 days prior to mine starting properly.

unfortunately it subsided, minus the headache. I just want him out and being first time mum I'm panicking over everything haha.

I've had those feelings for six weeks, sorry! I'm now a week overdue and off to see the midwife, so try not to get you ups hopes up