Is this normal?

[Wendy HS]

I am over 38 weeks now and this time around I've had more pain in my lower parts. In the creases of my legs, when I go to put on shorts or underwear my muscles hurt and are sore when I lift my legs, like I've been working out. At times even my private area swells (labia) It's not too painful, just feels weird, but overall I am sore down there. Is the swelling normal and should I worry about it at all or is it just a sign that I am getting closer? I did not do this with my previous two pregnancies. I've also had several all night sessions with I guess are BH's and some that were pretty painful. I didn't think BH's were suppose to be painful, these were bad enough I was having to use some breathing to help. What is the difference between BH's and promodial labor? I've heard that on this web site and I have no idea what that means.

[Beccadoula]

Prodromal labor can be all night like that...and stop during the day. If you haven't already had your baby...I suggest you look at spinningbabies.com and see about the position of your baby. I don't know about the swelling and discomfort...but it may be fairly normal. Prodromal labor often ends with a very fast labor - your baby may be just putting a lot of pressure down there!!! BH - are generally felt high in the uterus and real contractions are usually felt low in the pubic area...maybe that is what you're feeling? Let us know how it goes!

[Wendy HS]

Thanks for the post. I am still preggy!!! I've had another night of all night BH's and some painful ones, but they stopped at about 4 or 5 in the morning as soon as I started timing them. ha ha I am in fact having them again right now. Lower and across my belly. A little bit painful but not too bad. The midwife checked me yesterday and I was at a o station, 1 cm, 70% effaced. His back and bottom is on my left side with his legs and arms towards my right going more towards my back bone than front, but he does move from front to back sometimes, but I've noticed that the kicks and punches are more towards my back bone and inside deeper than before. I will just keep waiting. Thanks for the web site.

[lunarlady]

I had that too. By the end it felt like somebody had kicked me in the groin. A sort of bruised achey feeling. Good news is it was gone within hours of the birth. Same labor pattern too. I know it sucks, but hang in there!