Menstrual-like cramps, 33 weeks pregnant?

Question

What are these cramps I am having, they feel like menstrual cramps. I am 33 weeks 1 day pregnant. I did have an internal exam by my OB today, could that have caused it? I've never had these before after being examined while pregnant. I took tylenol but they still hurt. They couldn't be contractions could they?? Help

Answer 1

Why did they do an internal exam at 33 weeks? That definitely could have stirred up some uterine irritability. Have you tried drinking a big glass of water and lying on your left side? This improves uterine circulation which can alleviate contractions / cramping.

Are the cramps coming and going like contractions would? Is your belly tightening up with the cramping? Is this happening more than 6 times per hour? If yes, call your doctor ASAP.  

Answer 2

You could be having braxton hicks, which are irregular contractions.  If you start getting them at regular intervals or have any bleeding at all, call your dr asap.  Otherwise a warm bath used to work for me.  Good luck!

Answer 3

they probably are from the exam sense you are getting farther along your body can react differently, but keep in mind this is how contractions feels like too. so time  them if they are coming and going if not then it is from the exam

Answer 4

They could be Braxton-Hicks contractions which are just your body's way of "practicing" for the birth.  They are perfectly normal.

A friend also had similar cramps when she was pregnant and got dehydrated...  Do you drink enough fluids?

If you are worried and/or see a discharge, ask your doctor to see you.

Answer 5

If you are having contractions your stomach will feel hard during the pain and then soften when it goes away. If you think they are contractions you should call your doctor or go into the E.R. immediately. If these are painful you need to be seen right away. Make sure you have no watery fluid leaking, and try to rest and see if they go away. It's normal to have a lot of stretching and sometimes it can be very painful. Also, the baby can move into an uncomfortable spot that feels painful sometimes. I would definitely call your doctor ASAP and tell her about the pains and see what she says. Good luck and Congrats!