Menstrual cramp sensations?

[sky_and_lavender]

I'm 37w1day. I've been having some mild to moderate menstrual cramp sensations in my sides, on and off. It doesn't feel like there is a distinct timing to them, as in "yes right now they are on... now they are off... now they are on again." When they are happening, the sensations are pretty constant, just like when I have my period.

What are these? Just my uterus warming up? Is this a mild version of what contractions (or birthing waves) feel like? Or do contractions feel more like BH? When I have BH, they are really low and not at all like menstrual cramps. So I just wondered what these are.

Thanks for any insight!

[texaspeach]

I've been having menstrual cramp sensations for a while now, really since the baby dropped about a week ago, and thought that it was the baby moving lower into my pelvis. Not sure if that's what it actually is. It's really noticeable for me at night/early morning.

[brooklynbabymama]

early labor resembled cramps for me. But minus a discernible pattern, water or show, it's likely just rehearsal for the big show.

[ombrooklyn]

Yeah, I think it's just part of the warm up process. I've had them for a week. This is my first so no real insight on what will happen from here. Hang in there. They kinda suck.

[Hezzie]

I've had the crampy feeling every so often. Never lasts long, though (less than 30 minutes). I've had it more frequently, which I take as a good sign that my body is getting geared up for the big event. MW told me these kind of cramps are normal when I asked her at my last prenatal.

[Koalamom]

They are getting you ready for labor. I had them often on for about a week, and then the one morning they were deeper into my back, we DTD, and I went into labor.

[sky_and_lavender]

Thank you all for the information and reassurance.

How crazy that I am so close to starting my birthing time. Hard to comprehend how much things are going to change... and how soon!