I had the stabbing pains the other night in my right side. They were really bad and coming rapidly 2-5 minutes apart. I also had back spasms at the same time.
I called the Labour & Delivery department at the hospital and they asked me these questions:
1) Has your water broke
2) Have you had your bloody show
3) Do you have a lot of pressure in your groin (need to push)
I explained that I was just shy of 35 weeks, and that I was a smoker (risk for preterm). That the pain had woken me up from my sound sleep. She then stated that it sounded like false labour. That I should drink 2 glasses of water and lay on my left side. If the pain does not stop after 1 hour, to proceed to the hospital to be further assessed.
Well... it stopped and I was able to go back to sleep.
Good luck hun.