Menstrual like cramping

mwilks1016

Has anyone experienced menstrual like cramping before labor? If so, how long after cramping did you go into labor? Thank you! 

meggyme

That’s how my contractions felt starting off with both my pregnancies. Depends on how quickly they build to full blown contractions. My first came 14 hrs later, my second came 8hrs later, but I had prodromal labor 2 days before.

mwilks1016

I had a similar experience with my second. It’s just weird for me this time because it’s on and off during the day. With my daughter I had consistent cramping for a couple of days. Hopefully baby will come soon! My doctor is on call at my hospital tonight, so I was hoping for tonight. There’s no telling, though.

00kim00

Yep, my midwife said those were the true contractions (vs Braxton Hicks). They started around 37 or 38 weeks for me, and correlated with the first centimeter of cervical dilation. It was off and on, a few times a day at first, one night it was pretty intense all night. I was induced at 39 weeks, so it was 1-2 weeks before I started labor, but could've been longer if they let me go naturally. As long as they're irregular you're not necessarily having the baby super soon.

mwilks1016

I had my first son at 37 weeks on the day. I was really hoping for that again. My second, my daughter, was born at 38 weeks. I was 4cm dilated and 50% effaced when I went into labor with her, just like I am now. It can be so frustrating how different each pregnancy can be and how everything can mean nothing and nothing can mean everything! 

eeshanivf

Yes, some people do experience menstrual-like cramping before they go into labor. These cramps are often referred to as "Braxton Hicks contractions" or "false labor contractions." They are different from true labor contractions but can be quite uncomfortable and may be mistaken for the real thing.

Braxton Hicks contractions are usually irregular and don't follow a consistent pattern. They are also often less intense than true labor contractions. They can start as early as the second trimester of pregnancy but are more common in the third trimester.

It's important to note that there is no fixed timeframe between experiencing these cramps and going into actual labor because every pregnancy is unique. Some people may experience them for several weeks before labor, while others may only have them briefly before real labor begins.

If you're experiencing cramping during pregnancy, it's a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider to help determine whether they are Braxton Hicks contractions or if you are in labor. They can provide guidance on how to differentiate between the two and what steps to take next based on your specific situation. It's also important to seek medical advice if you experience any other signs of labor, such as your water breaking or consistent contractions that become more regular and intense.

sunflower912

My first son I had the first period like contractions (they came and went, was never a constant cramping pain) at midnight and had him by noon. My second son I had back labor zero abdominal pains and honest to goodness didn’t realize I was in labor until I couldnt talk when placing a food order. My first hit of pain was at like 3pm and I had him a little after 10pm.  Both my kids were early but not by much.  And both were quicker labors than the average. 

Like previous poster said, you Just never know. But sounds like normal early labor pains.  If you are super concerned, call your doctor. Every thing I read with my first son said it could last days or hours. Just varies depending on the person.