period-like cramps at 36 weeks...

i've been having them on and off for about 6 hours.
im not sure if its becuase bubs head is engaged (and going lower into my pelvis) or if its the start of something.
i've not had any 'show' or bleeding and i think i may have 'dropped' a little, but im not sure..:redface:
for some TMI i've had some loose-ish number 2's and been peeing a fair bit, bubs movements have slowed, but i just ate an icey pole to try and see if that helps...but i have felt some rolls and kicks today...about 9+ of them... (but then again this bubs main moving time is from 5pm-8pm)
could this be the start of labour or just bubs head engageing and putting pressure on my cervix?
(i'm a little panicy as a friend of mine had her bubs at 33+1 weeks and he's now in ICN with a blood infection and fluid on the brain)
should i take some painidol and see if that helps or leave it? :wall:
any advice would be wonderful....

if you are worried ring your dr or miwdife, and if they are closed, call the hosital your going to and ask them what they think.
I didnt have a proper show until I was in active labour.

Hey! That sounds like me! I could have written a similar post! It's just your baby engaging by the sounds of it and getting ready for labour..... uterus doing it's thing. I've had sometimes strong period type pains too but they go away after a while.
Nothing to worry about just rest when you can :hug:
I find out today if our baby is engaged and I think bubs is because I have felt so much pressure in abdomen and groin etc.

i called the midwifes.
i got told to take pandol and have a hot shower.
i feel rather stupid, i kind of wish they'd asked me to come in - as dumb as it sounds it'd be nice to be checked out, just so i know that every thing is ok, this being my first it'd have been nice to be reassured that it was 'normal' and maybe even have them explain this whole contraction thing - i cant feel jack other then the period cramps!

dont ever feel stupid for asking them for questions, its their job. Its great that they think its nothing serious, but what if it were and you'd not rung or asked anyone?

Don't worry hun, I rang my midwives clinic for the first time about 3 weeks ago as i had developed an itchy small rash on both my arms!! I thought I had condition known as PUPPPS! (my belly was also extremely itchy too but it was my stretchmarks causing that)I was worried and concerned. Midwife said it was probably just a heat rash! :o
turned out to be nothing anyway so i'm glad i rang but yeah she didnt seem too concerned LOL i did feel a bit silly but then thought ah well rather be safe than sorry!!
:hug: