Forum 3rd trimester

Persistent cramping, no dilation.

8 replies

Kiki120
Since yesterday morning at 05:00 I've been getting cramps, comparable to period cramps. They get a bit more intense sometimes but don't completely go away. Showering didn't help, so I called the midwife who came over and did an internal check. No dilation yet, but the cervix is starting to soften. She told me this is a sort of preparation for the upcoming birth, and that these cramps can last for a while. I was told to call immediately if they get more intense, or if I lose amniotic fluid or blood. The baby is fully engaged and settled. I was wondering if anyone recognizes this? And did the "real" contractions take long to start? I'm getting a bit unsure, but since she said it could last a while, I don't want to call again like a nag.

Replies

  1. Kat #2

    I had this with both of my births. It started with contractions. It began with painful, hard stomachs in the evening when going to bed. The next morning, menstrual cramps. With the oldest, contractions started at 1 PM, and with the youngest, around 3 PM. These cramps came more frequently and slowly became more intense. Both girls were born in the evening around 7 PM. Good luck, and I hope it progresses quickly for you!

  2. Faith1990 #3

    @kiki120 could they possibly be early labor contractions? That's what I have, actually, which are like period cramps. How are you doing now?

  3. Kiki120 started this #4

    I think I already had Braxton Hicks contractions around week 32/33... At the 35-week ultrasound, she was already firmly engaged in the pelvis and fully descended. The cramps come and go, then come back again. I mainly feel them when I'm resting. This morning I lost some small mucus plugs, and now I have a lot of thick white discharge, but I'm not sure if that means anything...

  4. Kat #5

    They could also be Braxton Hicks contractions. Very unpleasant and unfortunately not much you can do about it. If they mainly come when you're resting, it could also be a sign from your body that you should take it easier.
    That discharge sounds like the mucus plug. Unfortunately, that doesn't say anything about how long it'll be until the birth. I hope it continues or stops, because this seems really tough for you.

  5. kruimel #6

    I think false contractions too. I had a lot of trouble with them, especially with the second one, from around week 35. They really had to go away... At 39+4 it became so unpleasant (painful hardening of the belly) that I couldn't find any comfortable position anymore and I sat on a birthing ball the whole evening. At 10 pm they suddenly turned into real contractions. I felt that difference very clearly. 4 hours later my daughter was here.

    Good luck with the upcoming birth!

  6. Kiki120 started this #7

    I also think it's Braxton Hicks contractions. It really comes in waves now, then cramps for a couple of hours, then nothing again. Hope it doesn't go on like this for weeks... curious when she'll show up!

  7. Angiie #8

    And is she born yet, Kiki?

  8. Vera Guest #9

    I also have persistent cramps with back pain sometimes radiating to my tailbone. The top of my uterus feels hard, or it feels like the little lady is constantly pushing. Sometimes there are sharp pains at the bottom.
    Had another check-up today. They said I can only wait and try to relax my belly and back as much as possible. Well, frustrating to keep waiting. I'm now 39+4 weeks pregnant.

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