Contractions, or not?

[MarsHall86]

I'm 39 weeks and 3 days with my first baby. I've had random period pains for the last day and half. Started yesterday with a big cramp, very painful and low. Then again a smaller one about 15 minutes later. Then nothing until about 3 hours after that. Today I had another big one in the morning but then nothing! They are definitely painful like a period cramp and I've had to breathe through them - they are also causing me to be very warm as they happen.
I don't think I've had the show, although I had some clear discharge the last couple days.
Is this just BH or are these pre labour contractions? Advice welcome!

I don’t have any wise words. Good luck, mamma.

I’ve been having period type pains on and off for the last week and still no baby! I’m due today. Hopefully it’s close for you.

Sounds like your body is readying itself for labour, but this phase can last anything from a few hours to a few weeks, so not terribly helpful in predicting when things are going to kick off unfortunately. You'll know when it does though.