what is with the cramps??

Mwyld

Ugh... I know I saw a post about this already I think, but I can't find it at the moment... but seriously... I've had dull period like cramps for a few days now and they are super annoying. Consistent, not timeable... it feels like I'm about to start my period. They aren't super painful but definitely there. Usually LO is very active but she hasn't moved much today... wondering if this is some signs that somethings getting ready to happen in there? As of Tuesday I wasn't dilated or effaced at all and there's been no blood but more discharge than usual. I'm 37w1d

Alexinav

I have had period cramps and some light bh in the am today and yesterday. But baby is still moving like normal. Today the cramps have also come here and there throughout the day. Not sure it's a sign of the big debut tho probably just stuff being moved by her.

Mwyld

well here's hoping!!

Sam0905

I've been having the same kind of cramps! Only about 4-5 times a day though. I did have one of the cramps while I was being monitored the other day and it didn't register as a contraction. I wonder if it could just be the uterus stretching out/preparing for labor?

Mwyld

yeah I was wondering if it was the same thing... it almost feels like she's pinching something inside of me! I called my ob just to be sure and the on call nurse was not very friendly. I said I had some questions and she asked if it was an emergency and I said no, and she said I have to wait until Monday because they're closed. I said I didn't know if it was an emergency, I was just having some cramps and haven't really felt the baby move as much as usual and she asked if I wanted to page the on call dr and I told her no... I don't think it's an emergency, I just wanted someone to clarify if it's normal or not, if I should be concerned, what else to watch for, etc... but I don't think it's worth paging the dr.

Mwyld

she didn't even ask me how far along I was or anything!

amberlowe08

I'm in the same boat!! I'm 36 weeks and 3 days. My cervix was soft the OB said Tuesday. I attempted a at home cervical check this morning and I think I might be 1 cm now. Guess we shall see..

jenb_99

Cramping is normal toward the end. It can mean progress, but it doesn't always. In many cases it signals cervical changes, but in others it's just the pelvic area's reaction to all the extra weight and pressure being placed on it.

Edited because I forgot a really important phrase!!

awc1986

Wow, that nurse sounds like a useless bitch. How are you to know if its an emergency or not? I hope you got her name.

I've been having period like cramps a few times a day for the last couple of days. Sometimes it feels like I really need to poop/pass gas and then it dies down. I think it's just the body practicing.

ujocdeelovely

I've been also having cramping and horrible lower back pain for the last two weeks. It was more than normal on Wednesday and had to go see my doctor. She said my cervix was soft but not dilated and I was def. having contractions when she was monitoring me in the office. I'm 35 weeks 4 days. She just told me that it's normal during this time and if I felt like they were getting stronger to call her ASAP. If you're  worried I would call your doctor.

bridetobe9132013

Mine have been more frequent and intense the last week and I was fingertip dilated and 40% effaced at my appointment yesterday so im thinking they are doing something.

usernewname

So frustrating! I have no idea what to expect, so every twinge makes me think is this it!? Ugh - people.

I've been having cramping since Tuesday, Tuesday was the worst and was painful, but irregular and went away after a few hours. Some back pain here and there too. 

Hang in there! We're about the same in terms of how far along - we will get there! Sometime ...

CamrynnsMommy

amberlowe08 said:

I'm in the same boat!! I'm 36 weeks and 3 days. My cervix was soft the OB said Tuesday. I attempted a at home cervical check this morning and I think I might be 1 cm now. Guess we shall see..

Um, what? How exactly does one do a home cervical check? And how do you know what you're feeling for?

LoveIsAll25

CamrynnsMommy said:

I'm in the same boat!! I'm 36 weeks and 3 days. My cervix was soft the OB said Tuesday. I attempted a at home cervical check this morning and I think I might be 1 cm now. Guess we shall see..

Um, what? How exactly does one do a home cervical check? And how do you know what you're feeling for?

Yes. Please explain.  :-?

Mwyld

Trying to do my kick counts and not feeling anything

Sdufort1216

I wanna knowwww tooooo and i asked dr about period cramps too and he said it's just normal stuff doesn't really mean anything

Mwyld

Ok I got my kicks.. And I looked up on google how to check your cervix, it said the cervix should feel soft like puckered lips and if you can fit a finger inside your 1cm, 2 fingers is 2cm, etc. only problem is I couldn't get my finger far enough up to feel the cervix lol

amberlowe08

Sorry to leave you hanging ladies. I only get on here through my mobile app. Yes if you google cervical self exam while pregnant all kinds of stuff comes up. Now I'm sure tons of people get all freaked out about putting their hands up there. The way I see it is if a penis can go poking around in there then one of my clean fingers shouldn't cause any harm. But yes... I'm not for sure, by far not an expert.

tjkdlhb

Sam0905 said:

I've been having the same kind of cramps! Only about 4-5 times a day though. I did have one of the cramps while I was being monitored the other day and it didn't register as a contraction. I wonder if it could just be the uterus stretching out/preparing for labor?

FWIW while I was in active labor, none of my real contractions registered.  The nurse had to time them and write them down as I told her when they started/stopped.

I think it was only the lower part of my uterus that contracted, not the upper part, for whatever reason.

Still hurt and I still dilated to 10 and delivered a baby.



I've been having some of the mild periodish cramps too.  They come and go. 

Sam0905

@tjkdlhb‌ - interesting! It makes sense though since I only feel the cramps in the lower part of my abdomen. No pain or tightening in the upper area where the monitor was placed.

JAM85

I definitely have two types of cramping- gas and poop cramping and then actual contractions. I also know the contraction type because I had one at my last NST test. The contractions I've been getting at least 1 an hour sometimes up to 3 but not consistent and those cause discomfort in my lower back and I have to do some deep breathing. The other ones definitely feel more lower abdomen only and are sometimes sharp and only in the front and usually I find out why pretty soon

Ashleea439

I have been having period like cramping as well. Nothing consistent as far as timing goes I asked my dr about it, she said it is your body preparing for labor. She said that is how contractions start and when it is true labor they will be consistent and get stronger.

spacepotatoes

amberlowe08 said:

Sorry to leave you hanging ladies. I only get on here through my mobile app. Yes if you google cervical self exam while pregnant all kinds of stuff comes up. Now I'm sure tons of people get all freaked out about putting their hands up there. The way I see it is if a penis can go poking around in there then one of my clean fingers shouldn't cause any harm. But yes... I'm not for sure, by far not an expert.

Both penises and fingers can introduce bacteria, sure. But a penis doesn't carry the risk of accidental rupture of membranes, like fingers poking around in there can.

Google may teach you how to do it but that doesn't make it a good idea.