Braxton hicks or something more?

[Shmerlock]

Hello all! I'm 36+5 weeks pregnant and since yesterday I've been experiencing period-like cramps low down in bump, and today I can feel them in my back too. These are usually accompanied by a very tight bump!

As far as I'm aware I haven't had any braxton hicks throughout the pregnancy! Is this what I'm feeling now? Or is this a sign of early labour? FTM here so not sure what to expect at all!

Would love to hear others experiences, thank you 😊 xx

Just to add to this - cramping has continued through the night, started at about 9pm last night and is still going strong now!! The cramps seem to come roughly every 10 minutes and last for about 30 seconds each. They are varied in intensity - at times they've been very uncomfortable, I wouldn't say painful but they're bordering on to being painful. The rest are very very sore - like very strong period pain and radiate round to my lower back. I haven't noticed losing any of my mucus plug/had any 'show'. Could this be early labour still!? Think I need to give triage a ring! Any advice/experience appreciated!

Hello! Did you ring triage? I think you should. My friend went into labour and didn’t know... she said the cramps were regular but not really painful until later on.

FTM here too so can’t add my experience, hope someone more knowledgable comes along soon. But definitely give them a ring to check?

Best of luck! Hope everything goes ok.

@BlackberrySt thank you lovely! Looks like it's prodromal labour (early labour contractions). My body getting ready for baby, but could still be weeks yet! Advised to rest, drink lots of water, warm baths etc. Just hoping to get some sleep, didn't manage a wink last night due to constant contractions. I'll keep an eye on them if they continue today and ring again if needs be - I've read a few stories like that of your friend so better so be safe!! Take care and thanks for posting 😊 xx