How long did you have period like cramps before labour?

[RoseGoldEagle]

Am almost 39 weeks pregnant and have had period type pains on and off all last night and all day today. Not bad pain at all, but noticeable. Anyone else have this in the lead up to labour and how long until it became the real thing? Thanks!!

For my first baby I started contractions similar to period pains at 2 am and then went into active labour at about 6pm (16 hours later) and gave birth at 2.32 the next morning

For my second I had period pain cramps from 1pm and then active labour at 1am (so 12 hours) and gave birth at 6.22 am

Period pains at 5am. Increased in pain by 7am.
In birthing centre by 8am (3cm)
Active labour at 12pm (4cm)

Will say though I had period pains on and off for days - think these were braxton hicks.

With my third I had them twice, two weekends in a row. The first time we thought we were on our way but then they tailed off overnight, nothing for days and then they came back a week later only for the same thing to happen. Apparently it is relatively common but wasn’t something I’d heard of before. When they were the beginning of labour they were much more intense, whereas the false alarm ones were the equivalent of an especially uncomfortable period.

With my first about 2 days of these cramps straight after a sweep but with my second now I've been getting them on and off since 32 weeks and still no baby, I'm now 34 weeks now 😂. So not much help really as cramps have meant labour but also not labour for me. The only difference was when it was labour they were more regular, say every 30 mins whereas now there's no pattern to them, think that is often the key indicator if it's labour or not, good luck.

First baby - 2 days before she was born

Second baby - about 3 weeks worth. Every night at the same time I’d get quite intense period pains - a few times the contractions ramped up but always tailed off by morning. Midwife said it’s common with second third + babies.

Either way just try and rest lots while you can!

I had them with my 2nd all day from about 8am, they got more painful from about 5pm, but still not bad, but with my last labour being so quick I phoned in, and went for a check, was only 3cm dilated when they checked at about 6:30pm and then he was here @ 7:45pm 🤣