Could this be the start?

So today I have been getting cramping like period pain on and off with the occasional tightening of my belly. Nothing regular enough to think much of it. And the other night I had cramping every 20-30mins for 5hours but it settled down after that.
But tonight, the following:

21:35 - cramps + tightening
21:47 - tightening
22:05 - cramps
22:24 - cramps + tightening
22:34 - cramps
22:56 - cramps + tightening
23:04 - tightening
23:14 - cramps + tightening
23:28 - cramps + tightening
23:37 - cramps + tightening
23:50 - tightening

I've also had increased lower back, leg and groin pain; headaches and dizziness

Hmm. Well it sounds like either pre labour or braxton hicks. Im only 28 weeks and every few days i get tightenings sometimes with cramps every 5-30 minutes. My midwife has said i have an irritable uterus due to me being sick and having continuous coughing fits.

I would give the hospital a call tell them exactly what is happening. They'll probably ask you to go in and have some monitoring done. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

ETA: with the headaches and dizziness...are you drinking enough? Dehydration can cause pre term labour.

sounds like your little one is trying to prepare your body for its upcoming birth in a couple of weeks. If you are concerned call your midwives and see what they say.

yay! sounds like pre labour....any labour is good labour!! Try to accept what is happening and say home as long as possible as it gets stronger (call hospital if you have any concerns).... it could last weeks so rest up as much as you can (yes, I do know that is easier said than done!).. good luck!! :)

how are you this morning?

Thanks for the replies! I figure it is only pre-labour but for the somewhat consistent timing of it I wasn't so sure (I read pre-labour is usually 20-30mins apart but everyone is different so you wouldn't really know)
This morning still getting cramping and tightening and the level of pain has increased... Will see how it goes for the rest of the morning and then ring the hospital.
OB told me to ring at the sign of anything happening, 'cos I'm 36weeks with a bub that's engaged, so she might see me sooner than she expected :lol:

How exciting hun!

I had prelabour for daaaays, and I was having cxs every 10 mins for up to 90secs, it was unbelieveable! will be keeping an eye on this thread!
Hope all is well xx

Yeah not too sure I want to be doing this for days! The nesting everyday has been driving me insane enough

could be pre-labour. but i wouldnt be able to say - i've never had BH before :doh:
i'll be stalking this thread now!

Sounds like the beginning, especially of bubs is engaged. Hope it really gets going for you soon.

Sounds like pre labour to me. Good luck.

how exciting! With DD2 I had pre-labour for 4 weeks (from 36-40 weeks). It was absolute hell for me. My severe braxton hicks were coming every 10 minutes roughly that whole time. And bub was engaging the whole time. As exhausting as it is, just know your body is doing what it should be doing. Good luck!

good luck!!!!!!! I hope it happens soon for you :) I have had prelabour for weeks now and it is very painful and uncomfortable.

I have no idea what to make of it all... I'm guessing my body is just practicing for the real thing...
I've been getting cramping and REALLY tight belly since yesterday afternoon at around 10min intervals, with the tightness lasting for anywhere between 1-2mins. BUT I don't really feel it when my belly goes rock hard :dunno:. Now this afternoon the cramps are getting to an unbearable level and sometimes I can feel my stomach tighten, but generally I have to touch it to make certain. And with each one there is massive pressure down below.
I would ring the hospital to check everything but I feel kinda stupid about it because I don't always feel them when they're happening, so I can't always make a mental note of how far apart they are, but I know the really strong ones were 5mins apart and quite painful.

Hope that all makes sense.... my mind is all over the place

Hun, if you get too worried about it, just go to the hospital. I know they won't get too worried if your in every single day! Thats what they're there for :)

i too have been having very intense painful lower ab&back pains takes my breath away couldnt hardly walk had to breath threw it lasted for bout 3 hours & just comes & goes if this is what im in for i dont want it stay in stay in lol
i never had this with 2 boys & i had drug free births with both i think i be having a painful intense labour if thats what its going to be like be wanting those drugs lol
hope i dont wake with those painful brackton hicks again in morning got a busy day

Well I rang the hospital on Tuesday and went through with the MW what has been happening. She said it sounded like i'd moved from Braxton Hicks to early labour and to wait it out as long as I can at home cos it could go for hours and unless they're 5mins apart i'd be sent home.
Well it's now Thursday and nothing has happened. They can be nice and regular for a few hours and then they jump around. And some are that painful I'm ready to pass out with them.
Have my OB appointment tomorrow so will see what she says. But it's getting scary being by myself because of the headaches, dizziness, almost passing out etc
The things we go through as women to have children

big hugs hun, i know it can be hard, but have faith in your body, its getting ready, sloooowly but surely. xx