Is it possible I'm in the early stages of labor, or is it a coincidence?

Question

Sorry to bug you ladies, but this is my first pregnancy and I'm just really curious.

I'm nearing the last weeks of this pregnancy. Yesterday I was having period like cramping that came in waves for most of the accompanied by a back ache. Then only once I got this REALLY sharp pain in my lower left side, after that it was dull.

It stopped by the time I was going to bed. This morning so far nothing.. Except some loose stools, and I woke up really early 2 hours before I usually do, and I was WIDE AWAKE.

The past couple weeks I have been having these shooting like pains down my v****a, I was told its called Lightening pain or engagement.

How does it sound to you ladies?

Answer 1

if you are in labor, your stomach will get completely hard all over. if you feel the baby moving during what you think could be a contraction, than it is most likely just a braxton hicks. these get you ready for actual labor. you can experience pain in lower abdomen and/or back. once you are getting these pains every five minutes (lasting about a minute) for an hour, call your doctor, its time for baby to come out! good luck

Answer 2

First of all, you're not bugging anyone :) It does sound like the beginning stages of labor to me. Im 39 weeks and have been experiencing the same things. My contractions dont stay consistent so until they do we just have to wait :( Walking seems to get some contractions going so you might want to try that. Those shooting pains for me are my baby pushing down on my cervix. its hurts like crazy but its making my cervix dilate more so i cant complain :) Goodluck and i hope we both go into "real" labor very soon!

Answer 3

yes those are all signs your about to go into labor. If you start getting contractions time them from start of one until the start of the next. When they are 10 minutes apart it is time to go to the er! If you go before then they will probably just send you back home. In the mean time do lots of walking, cleaning, etc. to get things moving! Good Luck! =)

Answer 4

well any change in your bowels are a sign of labor so you should start timing those pains your having, when they get about 30-45 minutes apart you need to get to the doctor. good luck and congrats!!!

Answer 5

It could be your body preparing for labour.  You will get braxton hicks contractions where your stomach goes hard for a few minutes. These are painless except if the baby is lying in a funny position when it can get quite uncomfortable.  

If the pains become more regular of the backache is there all the time then they may be a sign of early labour.  You may also get a show, which is blood stained mucus but this can happen quite a while before labour starts.

Good luck and all the best xx