Menstrual cramp-like sensation in late preg - any ideas?

[LionRock]

Has anyone had menstrual-like pain in late preg and if so, any ideas why?
It's a dull, constant ache in the lower abdomen that lasted about an hour then disappeared. The pg books don't mention it, I wondered if it meant the cervix or lower uterus was getting ready.

(37w
1st pg
unaware of any BH contractions during pg
no signs of early stages of labour)

thanks

I have had friends whose labour felt like period pains. Why not just phone the midwife and describe it to her, just in case. Always better safe than sorry and they never mind. Keep a check that the baby is moving too.
Best wishes for a safe delivery in the coming days or weeks.

I had that. DS arrived the next day.

ring the midwife or labour suite. Contractions feel like the worst period pain IME but they wouldn't last for an hour. Good luck.

I've been having this for a few weeks now (am 34+5). My MW says that some women just have a more sensitive womb and the feeling is the baby getting comfy being head down. Also said that women prone to severe period pains are more used to feeling discomfort or pain in the uterus as we get near to the finishing line - I've always had terrible menstrual cramps, so I guess this is right for me at least. Hope this helps.

That's how the beginning of my labour felt, didn't know what it was so went for a walk and my waters broke - DS arrived a few hours later.

I had that too, it started about a week before DD was born, I think. It wasn't all the time, but was for about an hour or so, like you said, before going away again. On the day I went into labour, I woke up in the middle of the night with it, it was that crampy. Contractions started later that day :) The same thing happened to my friend, and she went for a check up and was already a couple of cms dilated. I wouldn't worry too much, but if you're ever concerned I'm sure your midwife won't mind a call.

I've had the period-like pains on and off since 28wks, it took a while for me to realise they coincided with the Branxton Hicks tightenings. I'm now 36wks and I get them more often: during the night, 3-6 times a day, often when I'm tired or dehydrated....

Thanks everyone for your stories. I had the dull ache yesterday and nothing today (apart from when the baby was kicking or punching!) but will speak to my MW when I see her this week. If anything else happens in the meantime I'll update this thread in case it helps others. It's exciting to think that Things May Be Happening .

Hi - no answers I'm afraid, just wanting reassuraunce too! Had exactly that period type pain almost all of yesterday on and off, then late last night had two what-I-thought-were contraction episodes, about twenty minutes apart, with nauseous feelings - got really excited but then that was it! Have woken up this morning feeling a bit confused and worried. Anyone else get this? Are things just warming up? 40 weeks and three days, btw.....

Hi - I'm 40 wks on Friday and have been experiencing these pains too on and off for the last 2 weeks lasting anything from a few minutes to 30 mins plus. MW confirmed that DD is 3/5 down and has been for about 4/5 weeks now so I'm assuming it's the pressure of her bearing down and cervix getting ready to open etc.... Good luck all - hope you dont have to wait too much longer :)

I had the same thing - DS arrived a week or so later!

Perfectly normal - your body doing exactly what it should be at this stage, preparing for birth. I think it's the uterus muscles gearing up and it's an excellent sign.

In case anyone else is interested - my MW phoned about something else and I asked about this menstrual-like feeling. She said: normal, some people get them some don't, could be associated with Braxton Hicks. Basically as long as they are not accompanied with bleeding or feeling unwell it's fine.

I am 36+4 and just have period like pains (started yesterday). I saw my consultant today, and he said not to worry -- uterus preparing for birth (that does not imply an early delivery).

btw, if you have been drinking a lot of raspberry leaf tea, you might want to wait a couple of weeks -- that's what i was told...

What do you mean, Lilly? Stop taking it?

I'm 37 weeks and have had fairly constant mild cramping and an upset stomach today. I'm not too convinced that labour is imminent but has anyone had this and still needed to be induced for post-dates? Is it giving me false hope that my body is going to behave and get this baby out in good time?!

I am getting this often too. Am 40+4 and spent all day with cramps for about 10 mins a piece, better when I walk about but coinciding with Braxton Hicks. Happened for a couple of days last week then went away for another couple of days.

I'm sure it means your body is getting prepared but taking its time. Midwife thinks baby could be back to back (though head pretty low down), this might be why nothing has quite kicked it yet. It's a right pain (literally) though, as it isn't the right pain...

I'm 39 weeks tomorrow and have been getting this kind of mild period like cramp too for the last week which also radiates into my upper inner thighs. My MW also said that its probably the beginnings of latent phase of labour and can go on for several days or even weeks and its the cervix and uterus "preparing". I wish it would hurry up and get ready - very impatient to meet my baby now!

I had similar which resulted in a baby 24 hours later.

my consultant said that if my stomach is contracting from time to time and i am experiencing menstrual pains i need to stop drinking raspberry tea / take pills for a couple of weeks.... i think everyone's body is different...

I had similar for a few weeks before DD was born at 37+4. Agree with others: it is probably your uterus gearing up.

I found that going for walks helped. But not too far as I had planned (and had, hurrah!) a homebirth.