Early labour...

[lilyblue5]

So... 39 and a bit weeks, BH started with vengeance yesterday and carried on irregularly though often all night. (5 ish in an hour).
This morning the BH have turned into what I can only assume are contractions? Now painful! (FTM).
They have started to get going throughout the day and are getting more painful with each though are not happening as often. Also lost what I believe was mucus plus earlier, (brown gunk?)
TENS is on and I'm bouncing away on my ball.

Anyway, my question to all those who have been there and done that is - how do I keep them coming? Obviously don't want contractions to stop as everything seems to be getting underway! Or is it just one of those annoying things you have little control over?

P.s sorry if this sounds daft, not been here before and no idea what to expect!!

Thank you :)

Keep moving is the answer, but not to the point you exhaust yourself. Anything that allows gravity to help is good. Eat little and often. Rest if you need to, if it is labour it will continue even if you lie down/sleep for a little while. Warm baths help, but can slowthings down in the early stages so avoid for a while until pain becomes stronger and more regular. Do not over do it in the early stages as you will need your energy for later.

MOVE MOVE MOVE! An exercise ball is your friend! Good luck

Rest! Periods of activity are fine, but if things are going to kick off then they will. If you can still sleep then do it!