annoyed/concerned menstrual like cramping

ericamanuela · May 2012

For the past few days I've been having on and off menstrual like cramps. They are not timeable or anything. I even asked my doctor about them and he said not to worry and that it's normal. He said it's probably just my uterus and pelvis expanding. It's starting to get annoying because the other night they were so bad they kept me awake for hours. Part of me is concerned because I've heard people say that's how the beginning of labor feels but another part of me is sure it isn't the beginning of labor because it's been happening for a few days now, aren't progressively getting worse and aren't timeable. Is anyone else expereincing this?

courtfsu · May 2012

I haven't experienced anything like that, but I know you can have "productive" contractions (those that dilate your cervix) well before labor starts. I would keep an eye on it and when in doubt, stand your ground at the doctors office or go to L and D. You know your body best and unfortunately, a lot of doctors will be dismissive because of their expertise and experience. Don't let them bully you. At the hospital I had a nurse in OB triage that refused to check me right away because I was a first time mom and able to talk through the contractions. I kept asking her to check me and 10 minutes later when she finally did, I was completely dilated and effaced. Urgh!

Gismo123 · May 2012

Yup! I was up most of last night with the same type of pains.....I also had to go to the bathroom a LOT more than usual. I usually only have to go 2-3 times a night....I went 6 times last night Indifferent

I definitely need a nap now.

ericamanuela · May 2012

I am feeling a lot of frustration because my doctor is SO laid back. He's dismissive about everything. I'm so scared I'm going to go into labor and not know it. I know that sounds insane but I do know a couple of people who said it seriously felt like menstrual pains and that's it. Although I'm sure these menstrual cramps are just my body preparring for labor one day but not anytime soon because I don't have any other symptoms. I suppose most of my paranoia comes from living an hour and a half away from the hospital and being in a car almost 4 hours each day commuting.

ToastieSimons · May 2012

It's "pre-labor". Totally normal, and totally sucky. I was up 2.5 hours last night with them. Mine were timeable and painful.

If it's active labor they'll become timeable and continue getting more intense.

ericamanuela · May 2012

ToastieSimons:

It's "pre-labor". Totally normal, and totally sucky. I was up 2.5 hours last night with them. Mine were timeable and painful.

If it's active labor they'll become timeable and continue getting more intense.

I know every case is different but typically how long does pre-labor last before it turns into labor? Days, weeks? I'm just wondering because I am only 35 weeks.

theabbey5 · May 2012

ericamanuela:
ToastieSimons:

It's "pre-labor". Totally normal, and totally sucky. I was up 2.5 hours last night with them. Mine were timeable and painful.

If it's active labor they'll become timeable and continue getting more intense.

I know every case is different but typically how long does pre-labor last before it turns into labor? Days, weeks? I'm just wondering because I am only 35 weeks.

It can last weeks.

I am experiencing period-like cramping too. It's been going on a couple of days. I go to my 38 week appointment today to see if they're causing any progress...we shall see. I do think you should voice your concern to your Dr. though. With both of my DDs I didn't know I was in labor...some of us have a higher tollerance for pain than others and the cramping can sometimes be a give away that something is going on. HTH

mylittlesunshine · May 2012

I could have written this post myself. I too have had on and off menstral like cramps the last few days.

It is making me nervous b/c DD1 was born at 36 weeks and the only thing that indicated that was my water broke, I had no contractions until they gave me pitocin at the hospital.

I have my OB appt. today and hopefully after the GBS test she will check to see if it is doing anything. I just want to get through this weekend without having a baby.

PregNerd · May 2012

I was doing some reading for baby class tonight and one of the things I read (that is in the 'manual' provide by our provincial heath authority) is that you should call your doctor when you experience cramps of this nature. On their own they may not mean anything, but if combined with other symptoms they could mean some not great things.

I hope things go well and that you talk to your doc.

ericamanuela · May 2012

PregNerd:

I was doing some reading for baby class tonight and one of the things I read (that is in the 'manual' provide by our provincial heath authority) is that you should call your doctor when you experience cramps of this nature. On their own they may not mean anything, but if combined with other symptoms they could mean some not great things.

I hope things go well and that you talk to your doc.

I'm pretty sure these cramps are on their own, without other symptoms. What are "not great things" and what other symptoms should I look out for?

AdelleRoselynn · May 2012

ive been having the same thing for two weeks now, its very normal. Some of it has to do with the pressure baby is putting on your pelvic area and some of it is braxton hicks. I get them terrible at night so i cant sleep much. take a tylenol and go for a short walk and that should help. Good luck!

sheilatakesabow · May 2012

I've had these too. Doc says its a good sign and means the cervix is dilating.

PregNerd · May 2012

ericamanuela:
PregNerd:

I was doing some reading for baby class tonight and one of the things I read (that is in the 'manual' provide by our provincial heath authority) is that you should call your doctor when you experience cramps of this nature. On their own they may not mean anything, but if combined with other symptoms they could mean some not great things.

I hope things go well and that you talk to your doc.

I'm pretty sure these cramps are on their own, without other symptoms. What are "not great things" and what other symptoms should I look out for?

I don't have the book handy but I believe it mentioned calling if you have a pain in your abdomen, and something about foul smelling discharge (or a change in discharge). From what I remember it wasn't listed in the 'go to the hospital now' section, rather just the 'call your doctor if you experience these' section.

From what I remember they can be signs of anything from an infection to PTL or pre-e - but I might be confusing those with the 'go to the hospital' symptoms. Either way, letting your Dr know is never a bad thing, right?

cchill01 · May 2012

Yep, I've been having irritable uterus type cramping for a couple of weeks now. The first day I called the midwife and she said it was very normal. She recommended drinking a lot more water. As long as I stay on top of that, the cramps go away. I get them a lot in the middle of the night, when I start to dehydrate.

Unfortunately, I don't believe they're productive.

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