FTM...Contractions? maybe...

msbowling

Ok, so we had our 37 weeks checkup today, 2 cm dilated.

The last few days my stomach has been getting really tight and hard, lasting a few moments and then goes away. It was only happening once or twice a day. But today, it has been happening much more frequently. I have been timing them, not knowing if they are contractions or not. I have not been having much cramping. My back hurts just a little bit, not unbearable, not really painful...mainly just pressure. 

 For second time moms, or even FTM's who have already been through the process, are these contractions? Real ones, or are they braxton hicks?

I started timing them at 4:25, the first one lasted one minute, then I had another one at 4:40, lasting until 4:42, then again at 4:49 ending at 4:50, then another at 4:56 lasting until 4:57, then another 5:04 until 5:06 then 5:12-5:15 and just had another one at 5:23 lasting until 5:26. 

 They seemed to be about the same as far as pressure goes, but the last two, seemed longer and more intense. My docs office is closed, but I am wondering if I should call the hospital, but i it is just BH, I don't wanna be overconcerned. I am so clueless!!! 

 

What do they sound like to you?

LesleyT

I'm a FTM, so I can't say as to the outcome- but my belly gets rock hard alllllll night these lately- for about a week now- and started during the day, too. And now I've started getting menstrual type dull aches, back aches- I even have contractions for 2min, 9 min apart during my NST tests- that I don't even feel.  BUt not technically in labor yet. My doc just nods and smiles lol

So, I'd say your body is practicing and getting ready- prob not L&D time yet, but working it's way up to it!  

hurricanelydiaa

It could be because you had an internal today. I would drink some water and lie down. If they go away/become less frequent/less intense then it's probably BH. If they keep getting stronger then I would continue to keep track of them because you might be in labor. HTH!

04TerpBride

Drink water, lay down and rest for awhle.  If they are still coming then start timing again.  If they are coming 5 min apart lasting 1 min each for an hour then you call the doc.  Very likely these are just some false labor contractions.  I personally consider these more like early labor contractions since I have them for weeks and end up dilating a bunch.  Once I finally go into "labor" it comes pretty fast.  Try not to stress too much about it though or you will drive yourself crazy like I have done with past pregnancies.  I went through that type of thing for about 3 weeks with each of mine and still delivered a week late.  Didn't help that the docs would tell me every week "I think it is going to be any minute now".  I always feel like a ticking time bomb.

mrussello

I had this going on last week. I called the doc and the nurse said to lie on my left side and if I don't feel baby moving to eat something sweet. If no movement for an hour after the tightening, to call the on call doc. I haven't felt anything as severe as that day.