Early/Latent Labour?

[Aquarius93]

Hoping to hear some others’ experience with this!

I’m a FTM so haven’t experienced labour before. I’m currently 38+1 and since Tuesday I have been getting aching feelings similar to period pains. Originally they were just when lying in bed at night but today the pain has increased slightly and they have continued this morning, even when I’ve been moving about. However it’s a continuous ache rather than waves with a peak, which I assume contractions will feel like, so I haven’t been able to time anything at this stage. Has anyone experienced this and was it a sign of the very early stages of labour? Do I need to contact the midwife or just wait to see if the pain increases or becomes more regular?

For context I haven’t had any other signs of labour approaching apart from a general loss of appetite and feeling nauseated.

I had this for weeks before DS decided to arrive unfortunately! You might be luckier than me though, DS was born 12 days late in the end 🙈 good luck!

It may well be your body beginning to warm up for labour, but doesn't mean that labour is imminent - this can go on for a while. There's nothing to be done except carry on for now - if the pains begin to get painful and regular, then contact your midwife.

Thanks for your replies and thought that would be the case! Just wanted the reassurance that there’s nothing I need to be doing!

I've had all this but I'm 35 weeks! I reckon as pp have said, it's just our bodies gearing up for the real thing