Did you have cramps before labour began?

[BumbleAw]

First time mum so no idea what to expect

I'm 38+1 and have had on and off cramps for a couple of days that feel similar to period pains in my lower abdomen along with an achy back. I know they're not labour as they aren't regular and frequent (maybe every few hours) , but they also feel very different from Braxton-hicks I've had so far

Just wondering did anyone else have this and was it a sign labour was near? If so, how long after did it start for you? Or is this just a typical pregnancy symptom at this stage as baby is lower/getting ready, but no real link to labour?

I haven't lost my plug or waters, anything else I should look out for?

DD1 - no.

DD2 - I had Brixton Hicks every night from 37 weeks onward. Midnight til 6am! She was born 40+0.

Yes, for me I was getting on off period like cramps, mostly at night, for about 5 days before labor began properly.

Yes. Apart from my waters breaking 10 days earlier () that was the main sign that I was going into labour. 4 hours later DC1 arrived!

Can be labour. Go and get checked.

Why would she need to be checked at this stage? You don’t need to go in until contractions are 2 minutes apart if you’re coping.

I'm 37 weeks and experiencing the same! Cramping like my period is about to start. I feel like it could just be weeks of this though, no way of knowing!

On and off cramps for 2 days, then I remember going to bed with a constant cramp (a real deep ache like a constant period pain, paracetamol and a bath didn't ease it). Three hours later I was awakened by my waters bursting.

2 minutes apart!! I went from that to delivery in 30 minutes with my first. I couldn't cut it this fine

Why would she need to be checked at this stage? You don’t need to go in until contractions are 2 minutes apart if you’re coping.

With both of mine I went from having a show to delivery in under 3 hours, only had contractions for 1 hour on both. If I'd waited for two minutes apart both would have been home or car deliveries!

That was the guidance at my hospital. Maybe it was 5 minutes.

Yes. For 3 weeks with my 4th!

At a routine appointment at 40weeks I asked to be examined and I was 5-6cm with no other signs of labour other than weeks of mild cramps.

I had cramps for a few days with all 3 of mine
so I knew they were coming. I wouldn’t go and get checked, just carry on as normal and see what happens

No
Waters broke first

Yes I had this for a few days/a week ish I can't exactly remember before labour started properly