I'm interested in reading this thread to see peoples comments as I'm in a very similar situation. I'm due soon and am also having quite full-on period pains and lower back ache for the past few days. I've experienced lots of braxton hicks througout my pregnancy but these feel so much more intense. I was even woken with them at regular 20-30 min intervals Sat night and also early this morning and they were so painful but they lasted for up to three minutes. I wondered whether it was it but think it's just my body getting ready.

This is my second pregnancy and I am still not sure as to whether I'm in early labour or not as labour can differ so much!! I remember having some period pain with DD and I had a show two weeks then three days before she was born and then quite a bit of period pain. I'm also feeling real heaviness and having difficulty walking at the moment and bubs movements have quitenened and having regular bowel movements (sorry TMI), so all the signs are there and am thinking it's not too far away - hoping!! Have you had any other signs?

I live an hour an a half from the hospital so I want to be sure that I'm in established labour before I leave but I don't want to leave it too late! Usually we will know when it's the real thing! Contractions will usually come in regular intervals with pain intensifying.

The dr should give you some idea if you have an internal although I had one yesterday and she said my cervix was still thick and closed. This probably isn't too accurate an indicator though as I didn't start thinning or dilating until after my waters broke with DD but was in prelabour for hours beforehand. The waiting of our little one is such an exciting, unpredictable and anxious time. All the best and can't wait to hear how things work out for you! Hope you feel well and good luck!
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Me 32 DH 29
DD 3 years
EDD 23/3/08