Lots of period like cramps? Do they mean anything?

At the moment I am desperately looking for some sort of sign that something is going to happen labour wise in the next couple of weeks and in the last few days I have been having irregular waves of period like cramps that sometimes feel quite strong. I haven't had this yet up until this point.
Does having lots of period like cramps indicate that labour is soon or is it just a tease?
Can this go on for weeks?

TIA :D

Sounds like your body is doing exaxtly what it is supposed to ;) Period like cramps could be bub engaging more. Which is a good sign :) Pity though, yes, it can last for weeks.

Thanks for that MummaMia :) I suppose I'm just clinging to anything that may be a sign of something happening soon. Fingers crossed!

yep, I had cramping on and off for a couple of weeks. I used to time them for regularity just in case. When labour started it actually felt the same except the contractions were 5 mins apart and didn't go away. I timed them for an hour before I agreed that I was in labour.

Is it painful? the period like cramps?