Period pain

[sweetheart]

I'm currently 31 weeks and I've been getting period pains low down in my tummy. Also the sort of pain that tells you you need a big poo - but I don't (it's not constipation though)

Does anyone know what this is? I don't really have any experience of Braxton Hicks - I imagined they would be different.

The pain isn't building and then going, like a contraction would - it's a constant sort of dull ache.

Any advice? Have I just got tummy ache?

Sweetheart - Sounds pretty normal to me. Just evreything being stretched and squashed! BUT it might be a Urinary Tract Infection (had 6 during my last pregnancy). Drink loads and loads of water. When is your next mw appointment where they will test your urine?

I have a scan next Thur - not sure if they'll test my urine. Other than that it's in 2 weeks time.

The poo feeling could well be the baby pressing backwards towards your bowel. I used to get brief and sudden urgent need to have a wee, yet I knew I didn't need because I had only just been, which was ds using my bladder as a trampoline.

It does sound perfectly normal. I would second Fangache's suggestion of a possible UTI.

Doesn't sound like Braxton Hicks? It's a bit early for hte head to be engaged, although it does sound a bit like it. Usually it's more the bladder the baby presses on - maybe baby is posterior?

I don't mean I feel like I need a poo - I meant the tummy ache is sort of like what you'd get if you needed a poo!!!

Sorry, I'm not being very clear am I...

Oh I see. Well, as my gyne told me, anything you feel down there at that stage is baby-related, you don't have anything else there!

Doesn't sound like BHs, IME they're more around the top of the bump. It's perfectly feasible that you're feeling contractions. Not labour contractions necessarily, just the uterus 'limbering up' a bit - it doesn't mean you're about to give birth! Have you given birth before? I'm pretty sure I've heard that early contractions without a clear start and finish are more common in first-timers, and really don't mean anything much.

If the pains get stronger, or bother you, then definitely go to see your midwive, don't wait for the next appt. YOu ought to rule out UTI in any case. Don't worry, just treat yourself as extra-special; pg women shouldn't need to wait to be seen as anxiety is not good for them. I'm not being facetious, I have been told this by doctors and by dentists.

Yep, if the pain is worsening or coming and going regularly.....phone labour ward.

sw,i had this all weekend last wk...has gone now thank god,but i was really worried too xx

s/h hope youre feeling okay... take it easy.

sh: hope you feel better soon. Just give your midwife a call or the maternity ward and ask their advice. They may just ask you in to check for infection etc.