For the past several nights I've been experiencing the same kind of symptoms but each night they seem to get alittle stronger. Not sure if this is normal for 37 weeks or not? I've been experiencing period like pains and very uncomfortable rectal pressure (no, I do not have to go to the bathroom and I'm not constipated). I mentioned this to my doctor and he checked me on Tuesday and I wasn't dilated but my cervix is "thin" and she is head down and engaged.  Is anyone else experiencing these kind of symptoms? It's very uncomfortable, and I only seem to get them around night time. :(