hi Jo

when i was pregnant with my last baby i was exactly the same as you some of mine were very painful and i remember having them sometimes from 3 to 4 an hour to 10 and hour they did get stronger and last a long time as well the further along i got.

as long as they aren't very painful or last longer than a minute and coming regularly like every few minutes and you don't feel pressure then don't worry its just the body preparing the way for birth. also they should disappear if you walk around

when i was about 34 weeks one day i had them very strong all day and they got very painful and i could feel pressure i was getting really worried and i went to bed to lie down thinking if they didnt ease off ild be heading to the hospital. the next day i had my appointment in the hospital and after i explained to doc she examined me and said i was 2 centimeters and 80% effaced i was admitted and given steroid injections she said either ild deliver early or when i do go in to labour i would deliver very quickly either way to get my self in as fast as i could if labour happened i ended being induced1 week early for diabetes and i delivered extremely quick 2 hours. they broke my waters and next i knew i had a baby in my arms

so try not to worry to much about them and if in doubt call the hospital or go in and they will check you.