Feeling Period Like "Pre" Cramps?-HELP from experienced mammas!

[ladyleah]

This is so weird....I am not due until 11/27, but I started getting the sensation tonight of the "weird sensation" I felt just before my (very severe) period cramps began.

These are not cramps, and not BH cx-- but just an uncomfortable sensation in my pelvis/back. Again, very familiar--- the exact sensation I used to have about 12 hours before my period started (and the really bad cramps showed up).

I am a first time mom-- so, should I be worried that I am going to "go" really early? Eek!!!!!

I could care less if this sensation goes on for weeks- as it's really no big deal-- and I would be quite happy if this is my body "getting ready" --perhaps softening and effacing my cervix..... Has anyone had this?

I have a midwife appt. on Tues- so I am sure she will put my mind at ease (or not....lolol)- but I thought I would throw it out to all the experienced mammas on the board!!!

[beebalmmama]

I have had a little of what feel like menstrual cramps, but nothing consistent. I have had contraction type pains, which made me remember what that all felt like. I'm also not due until the end of November and I haven't had these frequent enough to get me thinking....labor. I'm thinking it's just labor preparation at this point, maybe a little effacement or dialation. Ds didn't come until 40 weeks and 5 days. So I wouldn't mind if this one came a little earlier than that, but I'm not holding my breath......much.

[Rose-Roget]

I'm probably not the most knowledgeable one to answer first, but when I told my mw a few weeks ago about dull period-like crampiness, she chalked it up to the uterus preparing itself - effacing/dilating - and said that it's normal in the weeks before labor. I think it's when they get more intense and entire uterus contracts at regular intervals that it's a sign of labor.

[elisheva]

I've also been having period-type cramping now and again. Then again, we had the flu last week and my one and only symptom (involving intestinal cramping) stuck around for several days...so it could be that and not uterine/period-type cramps...I find they feel similar.

I did have about an hour of very light real contrax last week...hoping things pick up again soon.

[Siennaflower]

I'm not due until 11/28 and have been having the crampy contractions in my abdomen for the last week. My OB checked my cervix Friday and said I was 1-2cm dilated and about 20% effaced so it's doing something, but I don't think I'm going to go into full blown labor within the next couple weeks (I hope!!). It's just doing the ground work, so to speak.

[maisiedotes]

I had alot of painful (but not severe) cramping last week and the week before. The doctor checked me because I swore up and down I was in labor. I thought she would tell me I was 5cm. dialated. No- not only was I only a fingertip dialated and still thick (my cervix, I guess), but the baby hadn't dropped yet! I felt like his head was about to pop out.

I am no help, I realize. I keep hoping and thinking I am in early labor but my dang contractions are 7 min apart for a few hours, then they stop. Then they start up again with 11 min in between. I just want to know! They need to come up with a better system on how to know if you are in labor, pre-labor, if the symptoms are because the baby has dropped, if you are having B-H, etc. It is maddening, isn't it!

[ladyleah]

Ladies-- I can't thank you all enough (and thanks to anyone who posts in the future!)....even though (some of) you think your comments are not helpful-- they are all helpful to me!

I am hoping that this is the start of my body getting ready....again, I can deal with this sensation for weeks....but I am hoping, hoping that he doesn't show up too soon-- at least for another week or so! (I want to get to 37 weeks, of course!)

Keep the reports coming as time goes on-- and I will do the same!!!! I will also update everyone after my midwife appt. on Tuesday!

[elisheva]

Originally Posted by maisiedotes

but the baby hadn't dropped yet! I felt like his head was about to pop out.

Yeah - what's with THAT??? TMI ahead - When I'm sitting on the toilet I totally feel like, if I just pushed hard enough, out she'd pop! Plus I'm a little swollen down there and every time I poo it feels like babe is going to come out my bum. However, I can't even reach my cervix! I swear this babe is lying sideways from front to back - her head jammed in my intestines/backbone and her bum straight out my belly button.

[greenthumb3]

Originally Posted by maisiedotes

I had alot of painful (but not severe) cramping last week and the week before. The doctor checked me because I swore up and down I was in labor. I thought she would tell me I was 5cm. dialated. No- not only was I only a fingertip dialated and still thick (my cervix, I guess), but the baby hadn't dropped yet! I felt like his head was about to pop out.

I am no help, I realize. I keep hoping and thinking I am in early labor but my dang contractions are 7 min apart for a few hours, then they stop. Then they start up again with 11 min in between. I just want to know! They need to come up with a better system on how to know if you are in labor, pre-labor, if the symptoms are because the baby has dropped, if you are having B-H, etc. It is maddening, isn't it!

ITA!!!! I wish someone would come up with a better way than the terms BH/Prodromol labor/Early Labor, blah blah blah. Sometimes it really DOES just all look the same till that active labor takes over. Can't we just call it "Labor lite" or something?

[crunchy_mama]

Lots of cramping for about a month or so now- I am 38 weeks now. Not the most fun, but part of the whole package. Then the real low back/pelvis aches as well and all other kind of fun stuff. Yes, it does feel like your period is coming

[Mrs_CoffeeLa]

DOn't be worried! Sounds very normal. No reason to think he is coming early.

[KaliShanti]

Originally Posted by elisheva

Yeah - what's with THAT??? TMI ahead - When I'm sitting on the toilet I totally feel like, if I just pushed hard enough, out she'd pop! Plus I'm a little swollen down there and every time I poo it feels like babe is going to come out my bum. However, I can't even reach my cervix! I swear this babe is lying sideways from front to back - her head jammed in my intestines/backbone and her bum straight out my belly button.

This is EXACTLY how I feel too! And baby hasn't even dropped as far as I know. Weird!