Early Signs of Labour or False Labour

[Diggo83]

Hi
Looking for a little advice as there seems to be so much information and it all is so varied.

my Wife is 39weeks+4 pregnant and has been feeling "different" for a few days , her bump dropped about a week ago and she definatley has the pregnant waddle. She has been feeling Period like pains for a few days, although for the first couple they only really came on in the evening and when relaxing, they now happen through the day and don't go away when moving around. Her bump regularly tightens all over, she is having mood swings and has had some lower back pain. the big thing that makes us doubt it is that there has been no "show" which all the websites mention, she also hasn't had Diarrhoea although has been going more regularly.

Could this be the start? if it has any idea how long it may take?

Could be, or could take another couple of weeks!
She’ll know when it starts for sure. Real contractions won’t let her keep moving around easily/speaking through them, and they’ll come regularly and frequently. If in doubt, ring the midwife to talk things through. In the meantime try to relax/sleep when able :)
Not everybody gets a show or diarrhea before.

You don't need a show I never noticed mine first time. Even when you have one it can still be weeks to go. With my first I experience the period pains for a few days then woke up one morning with a pop and my water had broke!

She will 100% know when it has started whether or not you've lost the plug or waters.

Make the most of the next few days or weeks making sure everything is ready!!!

She will be a lot more moodier during