37+2 painful cramps

[Yahyahs22]

So this is my second child and I didn't have this with my first. I was woken up late last night a few times with quite painful period type cramps and back pain. They didn't come in waves just constant. This morning they've been painful too and only just subsided (thank God!)
Has anyone else experienced this? Last midwife appointment I was told he's 3/5ths engaged, so maybe he's moved further down and just adding pressure and pain? Or is it a sign things will be kicking off soon?

I'm 37 + 1 and had semi-regular tightenings last night with period pains / slight back pain. Sure enough all died down and nothing since!! I think it's likely our bodies preparing but could also be the start of labour! At this stage anything could be a sign!!

With my DD 10 years ago I had nothing until my waters went then contractions started - so it was obvious! But I don't think many labours start like that!! 😭 waiting game is the worst!!

Identical to my first too! Proper Hollywood style water breaking then contractions after but zero signs before that so this is new territory! I have read since writing this that getting these cramps before actual labour usually means an easier quicker birth...here's to hoping! Hoping you get a smooth, hassle free birth!

Ohhhh where did you read this??? I am getting constant period pains today 😥 I'm exhausted!!

How many weeks did your first come? Mine came at 38 weeks - hoping this one will follow suit!

I googled my symptoms and an old mumsnet post came up on Google. And since then my MIL has told me the same thing!
I had my first at 38+5

Either way we don't have long! Home stretch now.
How was your night? Had the cramps subsided?

Mine was exactly the same, first birth no pains or cramp, waters broke and baby was here 27 hours later.

Currently 38+3 weeks and last midwife appointment she said I was 3/5 engaged. Got another appointment tomorrow. I've been getting a lot of period type pains, and really bad back ache! I have no idea what Braxton hicks feel like as never got them with my first but I'm assuming this is it, every time a pain comes I think this is it, I'd rather my waters go first so I know for sure something is happening like last time 😩

@Yahyahs22 I really hope this is true!! Up 4-5 times in the night for either a wee or in pain (mainly hips now!!) and period pains pretty constant still which is annoying. How about you?

@boymummys for me my braxton hicks have been my tummy tightening with / without mild pain. So frustrating not knowing if it is it or not!!

@boymummys 27 hours sounds like a nightmare!!
My last appointment the midwife also told me he was 3/5ths ! Definitely feel like he's moved down more since. My next appointment is on the 8th so if I make it till then, we'll see!
Braxton hicks feel more like tightening rather than pain. Your whole bump just tightens up its a strange sensation.

@NinaJames oh dear bless you. I can relate to the weeing part but I'm glad to say I haven't had any cramps since. Plenty of braxton hicks but nothing painful again. I also woke late night from a very scary nightmare that affected me enough to have to turn the telly on till 2am! With toddler group this morning it's safe to say I'm exhausted

@Yahyahs22 it wasn't to bad if I'm honest, waters broke at 5 to 12 at night, no pains till 12 in the Afternoon, went to the hospital at 5 in the afternoon as pains got worse. He was born at half two the next morning, he was born on his due date so think he cling on to that hahah. Oh does it? I don't even think I've had that then either, I wouldn't even know what to expect! Pains have continued today in my back, not sure what's even going on anymore haha