Could this be the start of labour?

[Cooperboom32]

Hi there,
I an 36 + 3 days today and have been in hospital due to some bleeding and mucus discharge. It seems that this has just been a precaution because im not full term yet. Everything looks good with the baby and when I was last examined on tuesday my cervix was still closed and soft. Since the bleeding Ive had one examination when they said I was potentially 1cm yesterday but thet lighting was bad so they couldn't be sure.
Last night I had some stronger pains which settled down and I am now getting some cramping and the baby's head feels low down but its not severe pain that I can't cope with. Has anyone had a similar experience to this? If so do you think I could still be waiting weeks for labour or is it an indication that this could happen soon.
Thanks

Braxton. I’d say given your 36 weeks
but really
I have no idea!!

Early labour pains for me feel like period cramps but when real contractions started it felt totally different- a wave of building pain that then subsided and it was nothing I'd ever experienced before. So yes your pains could be early labour but unfortunately it's also really common to just get random bouts of pains that come and go in those final weeks as your body prepares. It can be a frustrating wait not knowing what's what! Good luck x

I’m no expert, I’ve only given birth once, but the day I went into labour I woke up with dull back ache like when your period is about to arrive. As the morning went on I had period like cramps, then they got stronger. So strong I couldn’t walk through them. I was only 38w+4 so I told myself it was Braxton Hicks but when I rested they didn’t go away or even calm down. I went in the bath to help with the back ache, again it wasn’t bad pain just achy, and then it all ramped up and became so intense that I couldn’t walk or talk when a contraction came. Baby was here at 4:45pm that afternoon.
I hope that your pain subsides a little and the last few weeks you have being pregnant you can enjoy 😊

Thanks so much for the advice its just a waiting game now! It would obviously be nice to keep her in there a while longer but Im just trying to mentally prepare for the idea that it might not work out like that. Should add this is my second but with my first I never made it past 2cm and ended up with a c section as she was sideways. This wee one has been head down since 30 weeks.

Oh I feel you, my 2nd felt like he was right down there about to fall out from so early on! Then around my due date he disengaged and moved up high again the pup! Those last weeks are so unpredictable. Hard as it is with another little one around do try to get some rest in case this is it or in case you have another few long wks ahead. X

I was having pains and cramps from 36 - 38 weeks and so much discharge i thought it may have been my mucus plug.
I just put it down to babys head being down low, i had my first sweep at 39+2 and was told i was 1 - 2cm dilated.

I still didnt go into labour until 40+4.
I had backache, some tightenings and then the pain gradually got worse.

If you think you are in early labour then speak to triage, they may want to do another check to make sure as you are still very early!