Cramping and back pain at 18 weeks

[RoomForALittleOne]

I'm 18 weeks pg with DC4 and I've had period-like cramps with back pain on and off since yesterday evening. I am totally paranoid about pre-term labour having been through that with DC1 and DC3 (not at this stage though!). I've drunk plenty, rested all morning and had a bath but the pains keep coming back. It doesn't feel like PTL though so I've wondered if it's just 'growing pains'. I can't decide if it's worth bothering the midwife or just seeing how things go? I feel pretty rubbish today with a sore throat and cold anyway so I just want to go and lay down...

YES!
Call the midwife now and let them give you some advice
Then come back and tell us how you are
xx

I call the midwife, I know backpain can be normal but intense cramps are worth the phonecall

I called the on-call midwife who thinks that it sounds like growing pains because of the feeling of pressure that I described. Apparently everything will be very loose now from previous pregnancies and this is a typical time for growing pains. I have to go to A&E if it gets worse. I'm not convinced that everything is OK but I'll wait and see how things go. To be fair though, everything must be very lax because every time I cough, the pressure in my pelvis feels like I'm about to give birth!

Yes do ring the midwife , put your own mind at rest . Hope everything is good. x

I would go to A&E now. The midwife can't tell from a phone call and if you have history of premature labour I really suggest you get checked out asap. If it's nothing, then great but at least you'll know and be reassured.