Do back pains mean the start of early labour?

[Tobermory]

Am 38+6 and have been having lots of back pains since yesterday evening. Have back probs anyway and SPD so initially put it down to that but has been ongoing today. Pains feel like they're coming in waves but disappearing inbetween whi h makes me think it's not 'just' back ache. Seem to be coming between 4 and 10 minutes apart and lasting 30-50 secs ish. Have tried bath, paracetomal and on all fours, the most comfortable position by far.
So, what do you think?
The start of something or could this last for days?

Nothing

Quite disappointed really. [irrational]

So its back to plan A and CS in the morning.

Hi Tobermory,

I have had the same thing, back pain and period like cramps, but not full on toe curling contractions on and off for two weeks now 40 +9 today. Good news for me is that the pains mean my body has actually been doing a lot of the prep work and I am already 4cm dilated and effaced, just waiting for the baby to decide to come out now...might be worth asking your midwife for an exam so you can see if all the pain is at least getting you somewhere. My back pain has eased off since yesterday when I spent some time in positions to get the baby to move from facing frontwards to facing backwards.

I know it feels rotten, but everyone keeps telling me this type of early labour/pre labour is good as there is much less work for your body to do when the real thing kicks off.

Burmese, 2 weeks of it? O no!
Hope that your MW visit proved helpful and baby makes an easy and swift appearance very soon.

My back pains have all but disappeared now so I think I will be using my booked CS slot after all.