My contractions were across the pubic bone (not the whole abdo) right up til 6cms dilated. The middys kept telling me I was only in pre labour because of this but when I eventually talked them into letting me come in for a check they were quite shocked to find how far along I actually was.

Aim for 5 min apart contractions but if you have pain you can't control at home then call the middys and have a chat.

I found when I tried to lie down during labour whilst at home I would get hit with a contraction soon after doing so & then I'd get the shakes with each one so found it impossible to go and have a sleep like the middys were instructing me to.

Best of luck with it all. It's very exciting.