Period like Cramps!

Could well be! I had similar back pain 2 days before I went into labour with my last. It was him doing his final turn and engagement 😅 but I was 41 weeks by then so it was imminent anyway. At only 37 weeks you could still have a way to go. 🙈

Hi Jess, I was exactly the same last night. 38+3, ive gad quite a lot of ‘period’ pains from as early as 26 weeks on and off which I had checked out and was told it was BH (and usually when I was more dehydrated) last night these came worse with a persistent back ache (which I’ve been lucky enough to avoid my whole pregnancy) Husband and I assumed it was early labour but nothing overnight and managed a decent nights sleep just incase. No mucus plug or waters! Thought we were there but the reality of a potential few more weeks is real 🤦🏼‍♀️

How exciting! Yes, this is definitely a sign that labour is close - unfortunately, only your baby and your body will determine what "close" means. So for some, it could be just a matter of hours before you're in established labour. For others, it could be a few more days/couple of weeks.

As for your mucus plug not going yet, that's not a big deal - it could go anytime and not necessarily mean baby is coming now. Mine went a couple of weeks before my labour started. And waters sometimes don't break until week into established labour or full 10cm dilation!

I'd say to keep an eye on what's happening and just make a note of timings and durations. Also get walking, bounce on a birthing ball, just to help baby move further down by gravity. Eat plenty so you have lots of energy in case labour is imminent. And finally, stay happy!! Do lots of nice stuff that makes you feel good to keep your oxytocin up and (even early) labour progressing. All the best, and keep us posted!!!