I started getting mine noticably at 16 weeks this pregnancy. Now they are so strong, that if I'm out walking or in the shops, I actually have to sit down as I can't walk through them, they knock the breath out of me. I get around 2-3 per hour, but I have a reactive uterus that contracts if I'm walking, changing position, bending up or down, or if I'm in a stressful situation. I'm hoping this means I will have a short labour (not too short) because my body is well and truly prepared. DP felt my tummy when I was having one the other day and freaked out because it was so hard, he wanted to take me to the hospital because he says he's read that that's the real think LOL.

I had them like this with my DD (the irritable uterus) and I honestly believe this is how I was able to get through a drug free posterior labour. It does prepare me physically a lot better having this much discomfort I'm sure!