If i was in REAL labour i wouldnt be able to talk during the contractions i would be panting too much.
Pssh, honey, I got to 9cm and was walking and talking through contx the whole time without realising how far I had progressed There was no panting me me until after ARM and baby was descending!!

Have been keeping track of this thread with my fingers crossed, and keeping you and the little one in my thoughts. I'm sorry I don't have much advice for you as every pregnancy and labour is sooo different, all I can say is that it very well could be the beginning of something HUGE Try and get as much rest as you can, sweetie, if you're in a lot of pain don't hesitate to get yourself up to the hospital/birthing centre and get them to check you out, they can always check things over and send you home if it's nothing, but if it's something, and you're a little bit early, I'd hate for you to miss out on it because the staff are being so dismissive over the phone!! It's your first baby, this is so precious, don't let anybody talk down your concerns or make you feel like you're making a big deal over nothing. Of course it's a big deal!

Best of luck whichever way you go hun, my best advice right now is to rest up as much as possible, if you are indeed going into labour you'll need all the energy you can get, if it's just BH/pre-labour you might be able to get some relief from the pain if you're well-rested. A nice hot shower and a foot rub from DP wouldn't go astray either, babe Best of luck hun!!