Contractions starting - timeline?

[Whatsgoingon16]

Just went to hospital at 38 weeks and 3 days as baby wasn’t moving as much today - had monitoring and he’s all ok.

when I was there the midwife said you do know you’re having contractions? She offered me an examination and said I wasn’t in active labour and sent me home.

i’ve had mild cramping all day like period pains - I have an induction booked on 12th August but could this be a sign I could go into labour before then?

That’s how mine started with my first. For about 36 hours it was a bit like faint period pain off and on. I knew it was happening as I lost my plug in the first day of mild cramping.

Then it all finally ramped up and baby arrived within 4 hours of contractions becoming painful. Everyone is totally different though.

This was literally me a few days back. Took myself in for reduced movements, baby fine but the doctor came in and said you know you’re having contractions every 10 mins. 🤯
i thought it was severe rib pain but turns out im having contractions.
Like you I had an examination and not dilated so sent home.
Doctor said it’s braxton hicks BUT the pain is unbearable!
it’s now a few on and still having false contractions
im due 20th August and I think without any other symptoms it’s probably braxton hicks
However if they get worse or more often go in straight away.
any fluid leaks or blood etc just go in x

I had period pains one night then the next day was fine. The following evening period cramps started up again and got more intense. Baby was born the following morning.
So I would definitely say it could be the start of things. I do know women who had period pains on and off for a week before actual labour

I had the same with my second and they went on for 3 weeks before I finally went into active labour. Currently 39 weeks with my third and have been having the same for ten days now

Don’t get your hopes up, I’ve been having these for over two weeks now. Even went into hospital again when they were every 5 minutes but I’m only 1cm so was sent away again.

Mine was also very similar to this with my first pregnancy. I was 1-2cm Monday, lost my plug Tuesday, had mild period pain Wednesday (made my other half take me to cinema and wriggled in my chair for the full film😂) till my waters broke Thursday lunchtime and then they ramped up and baby born Friday night but as said previously I know we can all be different of course.

Hang in there @Whatsgoingon16 and all the best for what’s to come! Remember to call straight away if you notice baby has reduced moving too ❤️xx