For those who have had their babies, question about lightening crotch

I started getting lightening crotch about 2 weeks ago at 36 weeks and it’s gotten pretty bad. Most of the time, when I walk, there will be very sharp pains that stop me in my tracks. It feels like she’s clawing at my cervix with her nails. For those who have already delivered, what was the frequency with which you had lightening crotch and how much did it increase prior to going into labor? I’m wondering if this means labor is getting really close.