Cramping at 38 weeks

[sixtylicious]

Hello all, first post so please go easy on me... I just wandered if anyone else had experienced low level long-lasting cramping towards the end of their pregnancy? I'm 38 + 3 with first baby and have had on and off cramping for a couple of days, today it has become almost constant. It's not too painful, just uncomfortable, and feels a bit like period pain but radiates further up into my stomach (especially if I lean forward). I have also felt a bit like I need the loo all day (I don't), and have sensations creeping around my sides now too. It'd be great to hear if anyone else is experiencing the same thing, or has done previously?

Well, 38 weeks is in many books "full term". My first DC arrived at 38 weeks exactly.

Can you pop by and see the midwife / GP / other helpful medical person tomorrow in the morning?

At 38 weeks I would call your medical team and ask their opinion. You need medical advice as it might be onset of labour or it could be something else. Only qualified to say 'ask a professional'!

Hope you have a newborn in your arms soon!

Sounds like labour to me!

My cramping was DD a week early, I think your in the same boat OP

With dc3 I had cramping on and off from 36 weeks, he was 2 days early in the end. Obviously worth getting checked out, but in my case it wasn't an indication of imminent labour.

Thanks for your replies. I've woken up feeling a bit weird but with less cramping than yesterday so I'll see how I go. My hospital are very much of the 'don't come in until you're having strong contractions, every 2 minutes, that last for a minute, and have done so for any hour' approach (I guess everywhere is). But I'll give them a call this morning if anything else happens. Thanks again!

I had cramping on and off for a few days before I went into labour. I thought it couldn't possibly be the start as I was only 37 weeks. My mum knew better she was convinced it was happening. DS was born at 37+4.

I have this exact thing at the moment and I'm also 38 weeks. With my first I had cramping on and off from 36/7 weeks and he was born 39+3.

I don't think you need to see anyone if you're otherwise well and the cramps aren't too painful. Has it progressed at all since you posted? Sounds like you were warning up!

It sounds like latent labour to me - a good sign that your body is doing exactly what it needs to do, and preparing for birth :)
Good luck!

Hello, no progress sadly! I'm still getting cramps on and off but they haven't become and stronger and no other symptoms - no show etc. Tonight it feels as if everything has stopped all together. I just hope I can get some sleep tonight as that's what I'm really struggling with now! Driving my DH mad symptom spotting - it's just what I was like during the two week wait when ttc too. So hard not to do!

Oww! I had this and was told by the hospital that it was an irritable uterus and/or braxton hicks. I had gone to get it checked as it literally would not stop for hours!. This was at about 34 weeks and I got it on and off up until I delivered at 39 weeks xxx

I feel for you, we are in exactly the same boat. Mine stopped altogether last night and I've been so emotional today thinking that nothing's happening. They've started up again now but feel different, not like period pains but sharper.

I hope our babies don't keep us in suspense much longer. It's the not knowing that's the worst!

It really is. I just wish I knew if I have hours, days, or weeks - the fretting is silly and pointless but it's irresistible. It sounds like things are still on the move for you though which is hopefully good. I know what you mean about the emotional bit too...

It sounds patronizing, but "welcome to parenting" - not an exact science and rarely predictable. The good bit is you'll have a lovely little (or big) DC at the end of it all.

Thanks fizzy I can't wait!

sixty how are you getting on today?

hello, nothing happening here. At. All. Feeling a bit sorry for myself as a couple of friends due at the same time as me have both had their babies now. Pathetic I know. Just can't stop crying for some reason and feel like all my positivity is ebbing away and I can't stop it. Hopefully something will start soon and I'll snap out of it. My poor husband doesn't know what to do with me. Embarrassing.

foul how are things going with you?

sorry you're feeling so crappy. My friend who was due on the same day just had her baby too and I'm so jealous!

It will happen though, it will it will it will. No-one has ever been pregnant forever. That was my motto with my first and I'm readopting it again!

I'm still getting on and off mild contractions. Think I've been stuck in pre-labour since Saturday. It's exhausting and I'm really struggling with my 18 month old. But it will happen!