period pain + start of labour?

[beka277]

Am 40 + 1. First had period like pain 5 days ago lasted about an hour. Had period pain again 3 days ago lasted abt an hour. Had period pain again for abt an hour yesterday!! It doesnt last for all tht long...and everytime i get it, i think, this is it....!! But of course...not tht lucky!

Did anyone else experience this in the days before labour? (How long before labour actually started....?).

[belgo]

I had various strange pains for a few days before giving birth, I think most women do. It's just body getting ready for labour. Hard to say how long it will last but good luck!

[TheApprentice]

Im only 36 weeks but am having period type pains for increasing amounts of time over last 3 or 4 days. Worried this baby is going to come early! (Am not ready yet!)

Am seeing consultant today so perhaps he can tell me more.

If you do a search for period pains in pregnancy on MN you'll find it seems v common, particularly in second and subsequent births. Is this your second beka?

[beka277]

Yes it is my second! I didnt experience this with my first...my first sign was a show abt 5 days prior to my waters breaking, then contractions started 1 hour later. But no period pains with first so not sure wht it means for me...

[TheApprentice]

Well, according to MN this seems faily common - these pains seems to be worse in subsequent pregancies! I too am on second pregnancy and didnt really experience this the first time.

I think they mean your body is getting ready for labour, but whether that means in a few days or hours or weeks, who can say?

I think second time round we expect it all to be just like the first time, but of course all pregnancies are different!

Wish you all the best anyhow.