What is crampiness all about?

[NYCVeg]

I've been having some mild crampiness today (I assume it's mild--I've actually never had menstrual cramps, so I don't really have anything to compare it to); pretty low down and a little achey. I'm just sort of wondering what's going on inside. I understand the reasons for other late pregnancy "symptoms"--i.e., cervical pressure is baby's head and/or dilation; pelvic pain is the bones softening and/or moving, etc. Just not sure what the crampiness is, precisely, and what it's designed to accomplish.

Any thoughts from you wise women?

[Hollysmom]

I'm not wise but I have been having a lot of the same thing and in fact it has been fairly painful at times. I am assuming it is all part of my body getting ready to give birth and that it will eventually move to my back. I have also been having tons of contractions, not regular or terribly painful, but long and sometimes uncomfortable. How about you? Any contractions?

[NYCVeg]

Originally Posted by HollysMom

How about you? Any contractions?

Not a one. Everyone keeps talking about BH contractions...I'm starting to feel left out! I know that a lot of first time moms either don't feel them, though.

[KatSG]

I've been having some painful crampiness as the baby moves and shifts down. For me it's a pretty distinct feeling from BH or even real contractions, in that it's more than the muscles, there is also some funky pressure involved. I only had a little of that the day before dd was born, so I was hoping this meant I was close. Guess not...

[Peppamint]

I've seen a lot of moms mention their midwives saying the crampiness accomplishes more in the area of dialation.

My cervix is feeling funny today too, maybe things will get going soon. I hope so, but who knows...

[brown eyed girls]

I find it very cumbersome and almost painful to be upright, the pressure is so intense. When i'm upright it feels like I'm in labor and it's serious... but after a while I get so tired, and if I lay down I fall asleep and wake up hours later, still pregnant.

But yeah.. the crampiness, pressure, etc.... it's all part and parcel. It does mean "soon" but soon could be tonight or next week.