Period type pains in the evenings (35 weeks)

[Msbluesky32]

I'm 35 weeks and have experienced the Braxton hicks tightenings since about 20 weeks. These usually last a minute or two and don't hurt. For the past three nights I've been getting period type cramps lasting 20 mins. At first I thought perhaps I had overdone it at the weekend and it was round ligament pain or similar (we had a house full of guests and went for a longish walk) but they seem to come back every evening between 8.30 and 10.00. Has anyone else experienced this? Are they Braxton hicks but ramped up ones because I'm further along? The odd thing is that they feel so much like period cramps I've instinctively checked for blood a few times half expecting my period (obv won't have, but hopefully you get what I mean!). Because they are only in the evenings I feel fine during the day.

I had both BH and cramps from 36 weeks. It's your body getting ready for labour but doesn't mean you will be early. Mine only happened at night, very annoying!

Thanks for replying sillybluehat I did wonder (in fact I finished packing my hospital bag yesterday in anticipation!)

It can happen. Your right to get prepared but it could mean very little other than baby is getting ready to come. Something I'm sure your already aware of

It could mean that your baby has 'dropped'?

I had similar pains and put it down to ligament fatigue at the end of the day.

I had this discomfort from 37 weeks and made the mistake of thinking that it meant that I would be early (DD1 born at 37+2), DD2 had other ideas and arrived on her due date - she has remained a stubborn little sod ever since!

If you're concerned, give your MW a ring, I'm sure that they would be happy to put your mind at rest.

Of course last night I had no pains at all! I will speak to the MW today. Thank you for the advice both.