39+2 and strong period pains - is this normal?

[NewMummy5July2011]

Hi
Was wondering if anyone knows if this is normal... I've been getting strong period pains since yesterday - they aren't regualar but are really very painful and seem to be constant at times. Occassionally feeling the pain around my back as well. My bump feels awfully tight most of the time too.

Baby is still moving fine in between the cramping.

Is this normal? Any ideas on what this means?

Thanks for the advice. :-)

It sounds like labour is starting
However call your midwife if pains are constant though in case it's something else
Is baby moving?

Sorry yes baby moving didn't see that
When you say constantwhat do you mean exactly?
How long does each pain last when it comes?
Any reason why you think this isn't early labour? Just wondering as this would be most peoples first thought

Oooh, you're in labour! Take some paracetamol and have a relaxing bath, and try to get some rest/sleep before it kicks off.

i'd say you're gearing up for labour. i had similar two weeks on and off before it all started properly. Labour does feel like the worst period pain!

You're in labour! Yay! Good luck :)

Hi isthismadness - when I say constant, I mean the period pain just feels like it's there for quite a long time (for example I've had the latest pain for the last 1/2 hour) or so.

Perhaps it is early labour - I've had braxton hicks on and off for so many weeks, and on and off short bouts of cramping for so long, I'm not sure what this is! Although it does feel alot stronger and alot for more painful. I suppose I'm confused because the pain isn't coming at regular intervals!

I've rung the midwives and suggested I come in to get checked over, so I have an appointment in a couple of hours! Hurray!

Sounds exactly how my labour started.

My last two labours started the same, congratulations sounds like baby is on it's way, phone mw or hospital tho to see what they say and try to keep walking around, good luck!

You're in labour.... I started off the same... good luck and definitely keep walking as much as you can ...

good luck!

My labour started exactly like period pains, and the pain around the back as well. Keep moving but rest as well, and eat and drink regularly it could be days (like mine was).....

Thanks! I saw the MW earlier, and baby is fully engaged - in fact she can even feel the top of the shoulders in my pelvis. She felt a contraction happen whilst I was there, and she reckons things are getting started and while she can't say how much longer it will be, she did say she would be gobsmacked if I went past my due date! So fingers crossed - still getting lots of cramping. Georgimama - thanks for the advice - MW said the same thing - drink lots, snack lots and rest lots in preparation!