Could I be in early labour?

This feels embarrassing for me as I was induced at 36 weeks with DS#1 and have no idea what going into labour naturally feels like. I have read heaps of stuff but am still not sure. I am 37 weeks tomorrow and I have been having BH contractions for awhile now. The last couple of days I have had period type cramping on and off all day. Nothing too unbearable. I haven't really been timing it because it sort of feels like it's there all the time until I notice it's gone all of a sudden IYKWIM. I have a sore back but it's at mid level not lower and my ribs seem to be aching. I haven't had any 'show' but am getting more mucous at times when going to the toilet. Also not all bowel motions (sorry TMI) are not loose. I feel like the baby looks lower but my hubby just thinks it's wishful thinking. Any advice or ideas would be great. I'm nervous about labour as my first was only 7 hours and I've heard that they get shorter and I'm worried I'll have the baby at home. Oh also the baby isn't moving as much. I've had at least 10-12 BH contractions so far today.

I had the same kind of pains that you are describing for about 3 weeks!

Hope it works out well for you and you get to meet your little one soon!

That sounds like what I had for a few days before DS2 was born. I was also worried that I wouldn't recognise labour when the time came, as I didn't the first time LOL and my first labour was 8 hours, even after the epidural slowed it all down. But the second time I did know straight away once the real thing started. Just as well too - it was a 3 hour labour and I didn't make it to hossy with much time to spare!

I think, if you allow it to, instinct tells you when it's real. Also watch out for really intense pains that are more or less regular and don't stop when you rest. Mine were waking me up when I was trying to nap. People will tell you that they need to increase in intensity and/or frequency, but I found that with my quick labours, they just started at the increased intensity and frequency to start with.