Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

Do menstrual-like cramps mean contractions? I have been having such pain all night long (and have had them a few other nights) but I don't think I feel the "contracting" part. What I *do* feel is my baby like IN my right boob (sorry ) - but, she's SO high! Or - could that be contractions?? If the cramps are NOT contractions, what are they? Just some random pain?

Re: Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

Not for me BUT my mother always says that for her labor was like strong menstral cramps..she'd go to the doctor..and sure enough she would be in labor..

Re: Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

Right before I had real contractions it felt like period cramps

Re: Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

My first PG ,t hats what I felt, severe menstrual cramps...But they would come and go in a kinda rhythm at first...I had NO idea it was labor until it got to the point, that it was just nonstop.

If you are getting them nonstop, then yes...

Random ones i get now, have been getting off and on for about a week or two...

Re: Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

good question! it's so hard to tell for me! i just have that nagging pressure and heaviness in my pelvic area like the baby is completely lodged in there! and every once in a while my belly hardens up and relaxes-wondering if thats just braxton hicks? this has been the worst part of my pregnancy so far-the unknown...and not really knowing what the heck real labor feels like!

Re: Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

Re: Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

the day I had my daughter that is exactly how I felt.

I thought I was having a really really really bad period.

The cramps were horrible and I had a bloody show. Mine was very consistent to the point I couldn't move.

Re: Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

Re: Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

i have been geting mentraul like cramps since around 33 weeks as well as a lot of pressure and BH but so far nothing points to labor (according to the doctors who said its a good thing i am experiencing this other stuff), i feel like everyone is telling me i will def know when it is time b/c the pain is supposely so much worse then what i am feeling now

Re: Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

For my first that's how it started for me!!! but like someone said, mine were pretty consistant (started 10-15 minutes apart)

I think if you are getting them randomly (although start timing as maybe you just don't realize that they are consistant), you may be dehydrated - so try drinking some water. (Is your urine dark?)

Re: Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

could be braxton hicks i just started my 3rd semster sunday so i am new to this stuff... call your doc if you are worried.

Re: Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

mine were

that & "heart palpitation-like" feelings

Re: Late 3rd trimester ladies ... (or those who have been there)

With my first, I had this stabbing-like pain that spanned my WHOLE belly and definitely felt like something was squeezing my belly. They were strong, intense and quite rhythmic. I also lost my mucus plug about an hour into it and my water broke in a huge single gush.

With my second, I had this dull ache ONLY in my lower belly and you could visually see my belly harden/the outline of the baby. It bothered me, it didn't stop me or have me doubling over in pain at all. Over a week, I began losing my mucus plug and my water had to be broken to encourage my body to push. Even lying there with my water broken, it trickled out...each time I readjusted myself on the bed, more would come out.

With both labors, the "pain" peaked and died off. Both began at 5 minutes apart and both progressively became more intense and lasted longer.


Call the dr. they may have you come in. They can check to see if you are in labor. I had to do this with my second last week when I wasn't sure if I was in labor (again).

Message edited 6/4/2007 5:10:31 PM.