Period-like cramps @29wks? (don't feel like contractions though)

[Marcy&Dono]

Ok, so I'm 29 weeks along with my second pregnancy and lately I've been feeling what feels like menstrual cramps at the base of my belly. At first I kinda freaked out since it feels so much like early labor contractions, except there's no pattern like with labor contractions-- it's just a steady, dull ache. Also, my stomach doesn't seem to tighten/harden when I feel them.

I've been feeling this off and on the past couple of days. I called my midwife early this morning, when it hurt enough that I started getting worried. But since they don't have a pattern like contractions would and I don't feel my belly hardening with them, she didn't seem worried. I guess maybe it's just more stretching as my uterus grows more? or maybe baby's position is causing it?

Has anyone else had this, or know what might be causing it, or what to do about it? It doesn't hurt too much (except early this morning) but is getting annoying. Thanks!!

[Arianwen]

Take 1 regular tylenol and drink water, rest...maybe it's intestinal or back ache? I have aches sometimes, I'm almost 22 weeks. Make the midwife see if you have a UTI or yeast infection or ??? too.

[eleonrauis]

I had similar pain somewhere between 20-24 weeks that I think was caused by the baby's position. Laying down for a little while almost always fixed it.

[tinynyota]

Hi Marcy&Dono,

I am 30 weeks and started feeling the exact same thing a few days ago. It's freaking me out, to be honest. I even went into the hospital a couple nights ago to be monitored, and they did detect some mild contractions - although what they saw didn't really correspond to the base-of-belly crampiness I'm feeling. They did a few tests and didn't think I was in danger of going into real labor anytime in the next week or two, but the pain has continued and it makes me very nervous.

Personally, I think dehydration may play a part. The past few days I've certainly be drinking water, but not quite as much as usual. In my non-pregnant life I've often found that if something weird starts happening with my body, it's often a result of dehydration. I'm hoping that drinking lots more water may help. But really, I have no idea what's going on. For me, I don't think it's RLP or a UTI. Resting doesn't seem to help at all.

Anyway, please let me know if you find out anything more. It really sounds like we have the same thing going on.

[Arianwen]

^ Did you try lying on your left side? I was told to drink (!) 4 litres of water a day, maybe try doing that?