Period pains at 38 weeks?

Question

Hi everyone, Im 38 weeks today and for a few days I have been geting really sore period pains, this is baby no3 for me but believe it or not I dont know what contractions feel like, with baby no1 I was induced and given an epidural before any contractions started and with baby no2 I had to have a section so this is all new to me.

These are more than likely Braxton Hicks but is there a time limit on how long you get these for before anything happens, I dont feel the need to ring maternity as I know they'll tell me to wait until they are so long apart etc etc etc

Just want others opinions on this who have or are going through it aswell

Cheers

Kate

Answer 1

if you have more than 5 episodes of pain in an hour, it's very likely to be labour. If they are Braxton Hicks, there is no time limit as to how long they'll go before real labour starts as i'v been having plenty of them for the last 8 weeks and i'm only 34 weeks gone!

It does sound like the start of labour. Take a bath - it will either speed up real labour or slow down false labour.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It is your body getting ready for labour (you may even beginning labour as this is what it can feel like)  I knew I was in labour with all 3 of my children because it started out with sharp period type pains and they did not ease up with rest and would actually get worse as labour progressed until they where more of a strong and tense tightening that ached in my back and front.  Every labour can be different with each pregnancy so when you get to that point that it is very much uncomfortable then you will know that you are in true labour and that you better get going to labour and delivery.

Not all women will notice a show (thick mucus that normally contains a streak of blood) so don't go by this to know if you are in true labour.  Two friends of mine (that I coached labour for) did not get that show until they where almost at mid labour and already 5 cent dilated so don't wait for the show as you may not notice this.

Also don't go by the contractions being 5 minutes apart go more by how intense they are.  If you are having a hard time getting through one then you know it is time to go, don't wait until you feel the head coming lol.  This is your 3rd baby so it may go fast for you and if you are dilating with these period cramps then you could go even faster then you think once the real pain sets in.  With my last, I did not get regular contractions at all, they would come at different times apart and never once where regular they just hurt real bad and lasted 1 to 2 min each this is how I know that it was time.    Good luck and congratulations!  :)

Answer 3

u could be in labour.....

anything from 38 weeks to 42 weeks is considered normal......

best of luck! ......... and take the gas and air if ur offered it!.............

:)

Answer 4

Braxton Hicks are very much like period pains.Keep an eye on the tissue paper when you have had a pee, look for the 'show' which is streaky bloody mucus wich is the plug which comes away when baby is on the way.If the pains get stronger and closer together give the midwife a call.

EDIT:Everyone gets a 'show', but you may not always notice it as it may come away when your in full labour (you don't always get the chance to see it).It's the contractions you really need to focus on to know when your in labour.

Answer 5

Your braxton hicks will be irregular and your real ones will be very timeable. If you have to grab the timer off the stove and just sit for a few minutes when they start up again and see if they are timable.  However every pregnancy is different, I couldn't time mine! Mine were very irregular and I called maternity and they told me the same thing, except then i thought my water broke, but it wasn't that. I ended up driving myself in, and turns out I was in early labor!  Its completely normal to go at 38 weeks and isnt considered premature.  My son was born at 39 weeks and healthy as a horse. Good luck, and like someone else said if they offer you the oxygen take it! (it will help you and the baby)

Answer 6

there is a chance that you are in labour 38 weeks is reasonable, If they are Braxton Hicks then they will be irregular. when they are coming about the same time apart then its the real thing. Good luck  

Answer 7

Hi I am 38 weeks today as well and I have been having period like pains for 34 weeks and more braxto hicks last week and this week, I think its just all normal, everyone just keeps telling me when you go into labour you will know lol its not much help, its just our body preparing for birth.