Nettie yeah they sound like BH to me definately. they weren't painful for me at all with ds, got quite uncomfortably strong near the end though. This time round unfortunately they've been pretty bad for ages.

Shoegal I've heard that the tea is definately more potent and therefore more effective so you don't need to take it as much. I think it'd work out cheaper too. I've been taking one-two cups a day but have it with a fruit tea like strawberry and a little honey and it's really nice. If you'll have time to sit down for a cuppa once a day then I'd say try the tea after you've finished the tablets maybe, or combine the two iykwim.

Nelle don't wanna sound rude or anything but didn't I read that you were gonna pack your bag a few weeks ago? It just reminds me SO much of when I was pg with ds coz I put it off for so long dh had to pack it when I was in labour. Hope this doesn't happen to you though