How long pre- labour/ cramps?

[albazavi]

Am 39+5 today with 2nd DS. DS1 was born at 39+5 for context.

For two weeks now have been having on and off cramps, really ramping up this week to the point where I can't sleep some nights. The cramps have eased and for the last two days I've had on and off mild contractions. However, none of this really progresses to anything and just fizzles out (particularly in the evening when I go to sleep).

I'm getting really frustrated with getting my hopes up for nothing to happen. Has anybody had any experience this slow- burner of very early labour signs and how long for things to actually kick off?

DS1 wasn't like this - cramps developed into contraction, and whilst it wasn't quick, it all progressed nicely. (36 hours from start to finish).

Midwife can't book me in for a sweep until 11 days over and don't think I can face 2 more weeks of pains/ contractions and disappointment.

Hi, yes am also having the ramped up cramping, also in the evening! Has been going on for a week now and I'm only 37+2. I got so excited for no reason.

DC1 was like this and I ended up being 11 days over don't remember it starting this early though.

That's crap about the wait for the sweep. I'm booked in for one in 10 days at 39 weeks.

No advice sorry, just to say you're not the only one experiencing this.

I would add that I ended up having an excellent labour and delivery last time. 12 hours overall but only 3 were particularly involved. MW said it was something to do with all the prep my body had done in the weeks before. This may be utter nonsense but it made me feel better.

From 36 weeks on with my first. Started at 5pm and stopped at 11pm. She was 2 weeks late. It was the middle of winter, freezing cold and the only thing I could do at night to get comfortable was walk..... poor DH was heartily sick of walking by the time she arrived. It was a family joke, our nightly wanderings. Didn't get them with the others though, thankfully. It's so frustrating because you keep thinking "is this it" and it never is.....