40+5 weeks preg, having really bad tummy cramps, but no contractions?

[helsywebb]

Hi all

Just wondered if anyone can help, im 40 +5 weeks pregnant, and having really painful aches/cramps in my groin and hips, and its particuarly painful when im sat down. Less when i get up and move around, and it doesnt feel like in having any contractions, but my tummy just feels permanently rock hard?
Did anyone else experience this?
Thx

Sounds like your labour might be starting, is this your first baby?

Thats what I had with DS2. I honestly didnt believe they were contractions at first and then they came really fast and I got to hospital 10cm dilated!
You might be lucky and have a quick easy one!

With both my labours they sort of came on insidiously and despite being on red alert I did not link the discomfort I was feeling with the onset of labour - looking back for me a necessary part of pre labour was not being able to think straight , hope all goes well for you and your baby, .

Yes, this is my first baby, so fingers crossed its starting! I really dont want to be induced! When I lie down it goes off a little, is it better to stay upright, and keep the pressure on down there?
Thank you for all your speedy responses!

I think that there are some that think that it is good to keep active in birth, however, if you can I suggest you rest. My son was born at 5a.m. on a Monday morning. His labour started on the friday evening, I expected a baby that evening. I wish I had got some sleep on the friday and saturday evenings instead of giving birth after being up for three nights. With dd I slept in the early labour for as long as I could and then I was active once it became too difficult to rest.