cramping

[birthmommom]

I tried to look it up on google but could not really find a definitive answer...
so is menstrual like cramping normal at 36 weeks? It is kinda annoying b/c I have always had very painful periods so this cramping is definently noticeable.
It mostly hurts when I sit and then stand, but it has been cramping some while sitting. and this morning after I got up to go to the bathroom and went back to bed it was so crampy and uncomfortable that I almost couldn't get back to sleep.
Do any of you experienced mamas know about cramping?

[shelbean91]

When I felt menstrual type cramps, I was in labor. DD was born 2 hrs later.

[Mama2-4]

If you get up and try to walk around do the cramps get stronger and closer or do they go away? If they become stronger and closer you are probably going into labor. It seems like you have had several days of this...are you drinking enough? Push fluids, juice, water, whatever you want really. If you are really uncomfortable (I think you are birthing in the hospital) you can go in for some monitoring, perhaps IV therapy and if you feel exhausted and have not slept they can give you something to help you rest...if you wake up and are still cramping/contracting you are most likely in labor and hopefully your cervix will be changing.

Good luck to you Mama

[Nature]

I always have cramping late in pregnancy. It can mean labor, but not always. If it goes away then you know its nothing. If it gets worse and worse and worse and you're on the floor moaning with your water breaking.. then its probably labor.

[birthmommom]

I was not thinking I was in labor, but just wanted to make sure it was "normal"

thanks.

[Writerbird]

I'm getting it once a day or so, usually after I've overdone it with the walking.

But if that's all it takes to make me normal...

[firecat]

I think it is normal... I have cramping when I bend over too much and lately I get it when I have been doing too much. When I was at the midwife's the other day, I had to pee really bad when she was feeling for the baby and she told me she thought I was getting a contraction. Right then I couldn't feel it but after I sat up I started feeling all crampy. So I am associating the crampiness with contractions now. But when I sit down and relax it always goes away.
I am 37 weeks now but I have been getting this for a couple of weeks already.

[SamuraiMom]

Push the fluids, I love that phrase! I have had them off and on, and usually when I haven't had enough water or liquids.

[Dea]

I had that last night too when I was sleeping. I woke up cursing my period then remembered that it's not period cramps, and I didn't have to go and find a tampon.
I chugged some water and went back to sleep. (only to wake to pee a little while later)

[birthmommom]

I woke up cursing my period then remembered that it's not period cramps, and I didn't have to go and find a tampon.

I did the same thing the other morning, and then got a cramp in my side and remembered that I was huge.

[nascarbebe]

I've been experiencing this for the past couple of weeks. My OB is calling them "contractions." Some days I have them some I do not. I don't remember experiencing this when I was preg with DS.

[sewingmomma]

I'm 35 weeks I think LOL due 2-26 anyway I have had irregular contractions and cramp for about a week My OB has me taking benadryl at night (it actually helps make them go away)

[Gunter]

i have 'em, too, mama.

[lilyblossom]

I had something like that the other day too. I don't think I would call it a contraction though since my belly didn't get hard, but I was having round ligament pain (I think) with it so maybe that was part of it too. I'm due at right around the same time you are (2/16 ish). I have endo though so it could be the increased estrogen starting to mess with my system . I think the key is the severity. If it doesn't go away or gets more intense, then maybe it's something to call your care provider about. After an uncomfortable day and a restless night, I broke down and took one Tylenol. That seemed to make a huge difference.

[Beverly]

I'm 36 weeks and I've been having menstrual-like cramps, too, for the past couple of weeks. I usually have them late in pregnancy.