Firstbub - I can't entirely answer your question but would like to throw myself into the "me too!" basket. With my DD my waters broke spontaneously at 40 weeks, but I had not had a show or contractions before that (just a bit of odd-nesting during that same day).

This time around I have been having the increasing BH for a couple of weeks. Some days they are full-on and seem quite regular, then the next day - hardly any. I learned a good month ago bubs was already 2/5 engaged and was told to take things easy.

The period-like pain you mentioned seems to happen to me a lot during the night - and I am also going to the toilet practically every hour during the night - I just have to roll over and I need to go...

But one thing I have really noticed in the last couple of days is a really big increase in CM.

So I guess this is all pre-labour. I have read for some women this could last a day or two, for others, for a couple of weeks.

GL with the remaining time of your PG. Will be interesting to see what other experiences ladies post here as I am very curious about this one, too!

WTH