Is this the beginning of labour?!

[Lulubon]

I’m 38 weeks and if I’m honest I’m ready for this baby to be born- I’ve got horrendous back pain with sciatica and haven’t slept a proper nights sleep in weeks.
Over the last week I’ve had SO many braxton hicks.
Yesterday they became quite uncomfortable on the verge of painful. Then I was up most of the night in actually pain from constant tightening and period like pain.
This morning I’ve continued to have pretty uncomfortable braxton hicks every 5-10 mins. But it hasn’t ramped up at all. Could this be the beginning of labour? Has anyone had similar and it actually progress or does it just plateau...
I’m expecting this isn’t the beginning of labour but I’m holding out hope 😬

@Lulubon

I’m 38 weeks and if I’m honest I’m ready for this baby to be born- I’ve got horrendous back pain with sciatica and haven’t slept a proper nights sleep in weeks. Over the last week I’ve had SO many braxton hicks. Yesterday they became quite uncomfortable on the verge of painful. Then I was up most of the night in actually pain from constant tightening and period like pain. This morning I’ve continued to have pretty uncomfortable braxton hicks every 5-10 mins. But it hasn’t ramped up at all. Could this be the beginning of labour? Has anyone had similar and it actually progress or does it just plateau... I’m expecting this isn’t the beginning of labour but I’m holding out hope 😬

Have a nice long soak in the bath and see if that helps. If it's contractions they will come regularly and you need to time them. If it's a regular pattern then you are more than likely early stages of labour. Good luck xx

@LisaLx thank you- seem to have slowed down a bit now... I’ll try and bath and hope for the best xx