Is this labor? Please help!!?

Question

I am almost 37 weeks along. I have been having a dull back ache that comes and goes and contractions that are very uncomfortable. I can feel them in my back as well as in the front, up top and at the same time it feels like a menstrual cramp. I have been getting these for a few days now. The weird thing is ... they go away. Not with activity or anything, just kind of on their own. I know Braxton Hicks are supposed to be irregular and painless. These are irregular but not painless. The bout I had yesterday was more painful than the "bout" I had on Sunday, and the ones this morning hurt more than the ones yesterday.

I have lost my mucous plug a few days ago and have been nesting like crazy the last couple of days. I've had an increase in a very watery discharge (sorry if TMI!!) At my last check up I was starting to efface and I have TONS of pressure on my pelvis.

Could this just be the start of labor and is it just not pushing through? Has anyone experienced anything similar and if so, how long did this last? If I have to put up with this for another month I am going to go insane!!

Answer 1

It sounds like false labor stopping and starting like that. I too have been having a few bouts of that and am almost 39 weeks. It probably means labor is coming soon if I had to guess but I'm sure someone else on here will tell you that you will go to 42 weeks (people love to tell impatient pregnant mothers that!) I think you will be sooner than later if that helps.

Answer 2

Braxton hicks can feel exactly like real labor & are no pain free! With my 3rd child I had regular timeable pains for 18 days before he was born & every one felt real. All your symptoms point to you going into labor soon.  Don't think you will last a month. best wishes!

Answer 3

braxton hicks do hurt!!!

but if you lost ur plug it could be early labour, i was in simar pair with my 1st son and it lasted for 3 days till i officially went into labour.

just try and relax and maybe pack ur bags if u havent already and get anything done that needs doing, send cheques for your bills, food shopping ect ect.

GOOD LUCK and enjoy, its the best pain you'll every have!!!

Answer 4

you lost your plug you are about ready to go.  I would go to the hospital they may put you on potosin (I cant spell it) to increase your contractions and move you along.

Answer 5

I just gave birth on the 16th, and up until the birth, I experienced exactly what you just described with your contractions.  Even when I reached four cm and was admitted to the hospital "in labor", the contractions never became regular, and I'm not sure why. The good news is, even though it drags out over a few weeks, it's still getting the work done to prepare you for the big day. You still have a few more weeks, and it may be that your body is preparing for a much shorter active labor. (I was only in the hospital for about four hours before giving birth, and most of that time I was not having contractions.) Believe me, you'd much rather have the beginning part dragging out than the last part!  If I were in your place, I'd do a lot of walking and stay as active as possible.  It's hard to tolerate the suspense and anxiety week after week, but you really are almost done!  Good Luck!

Answer 6

Have you called your doc since the fluid? Last time I had these experiences I had a baby a couple hours later

Answer 7

Wow, I know what you mean. I am not a medical proffessional yet. (still in school) But I've had children and I remember with my son I was dialated to 4cm for a week. lol That was horrible. I would say that you are getting ready for sure. The heavy feeling you feel in your lower abdomen is the baby dropping down into your pelvis, which is normal. The fact that you already lost your mucus plug tells me that it could be any time now. I know you are anxious, just try to rest as much as you can and if your contractions get to 2-3min apart and are getting stronger as they go, I would go to the hospital. Even if they send you home, it's better to be safe than sorry. The discharge is normal as well, it's helping your cervix to thin out. Listen, I am guessing this is your first baby, you will know when you are in labor. When the pain is so bad that you can't speak or move, that is when you know. And if you feel a constant leaking or a sudden gush like you peed yourself, go to the hospital right away. Good luck sweetie, you will be fine. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

This isn't labour if they are irregular. I know how you feel, people lie when they say BH don't hurt because they do! If you still are feeling these irregularly tonight, I would go into emergency and just get checked but they may just send you home. Make sure you are drinking a ton of water because you may be deyhydrated, thats why you are getting them in the first place. Good luck.

I am only 34 weeks so consider yourself lucky you only have a month left to put up with it. I don't sleep at all because of it. Good luck and all the best in the safe delivery of a healthy baby!

Answer 9

i had braxton-hicks 2 weeks before i gave birth.  it was painful.  i also had back labor.  i lost my plug about 1 wk before i gave birth but my water never broke i dilated to about 5 before they induced labor and broke my water.  hope this helps