Period pains in late pregnancy - any significance?

[handlemecarefully]

With my first pregnancy I only got period pains a matter of hours before going into full labour. With this second pregnancy (I'm 36 weeks)I've been getting period type pains over the last couple of days (not continuous - odd twinges). Could this mean I might go into labour early...or does it have no significance at all?

I think I got them for about a week. Grumbly twingy ones, not contractions. I did go into labour after that point. Hang on in for a few days and you won't be 'early'!

I got them like that with my 2nd pregnancy. 10 days before DS2 was born I had contractions for 3 hours and then they went away. I think they happen in first pregnancies but you just can't feel them. This time, every thing's a bit looser!
Probably nothing to worry about. HTH

Well I hope its not significant. I'd rather not go into labour early as I only have 3 weeks mat leave prior to due date (starts next week), and I'd like to enjoy some of this mat leave 'unencumbered' as it were! (my toddler will still be going to Day Nursery 3 days a week). Got lots of exciting things planned like cleaning the oven and washing the windows (must get out more!)

Don't know if this helps, but I had a full day of quite bad period type pain 2 weeks before my dd was born. It was my first pregnancy so I spent all day wondering whether this was going to turn into labour, but it didn't. 1 week later I woke in the night with contractions - had 3 all 5 minutes apart and then they stopped (did make me realise difference between contractions and the pretty much continual period type pain I'd had before). 1 week on I had the real thing, however, it was following a sweep, so might not have happened until later otherwise.

Would imagine that it does mean that something is happening, but my experience was that it was still quite a while before the actual labour.

Good luck - hope you get to enjoy some maternity leave. Mind you if you spend it rushing around cleaning the house aren't you more likely to bring on your labour (if some of the old wives tales are true)!! I should take advantage of one your last opportunity for true rest for a while

Distracted,

You might have a point there about physical exertion bringing labour on. My first labour started after a tiring morning spent weeding the garden! I tend to get major 'nesting instinct' and a great desire to 'sort things out'. Perhaps need to take on board what you say and chill out a bit

hmc I'm getting these too and being my first pregnancy am wondering if these are sort of a warm up before the real thing kicks in. They have been on and off now for close to a week. Hopefully you will at least make it to at least 38wks.

I had period pains for about a week or more before I actually went into established labour. After a rather unpleasant day of niggling pains I was examined internally and found to be 1-2cm dilated. But I didn't go into labour until about 6 days after that.

ok , I have had period pains late evening , early morning for about a week and now they are happening during the day as well , up till now i have out this down as normal as this is my first and I do not know any different , but after reading this thread i may start panicking a bit

I'm getting period type pains aswell now - had them for most of yesterday evening and night - they even got into my dreams so I wasn't sure if I was having them awake or asleep last night! I think they're just my body practising - quite exciting as I'm hoping it means I'm nearly there (39 weeks today!!).

hi im 32 weeks and have been getting period like pains, feeling very sick and starting to get back pain... im not having contractions and my belly isnt going hard but my lil girl isnt moving like she normally would... very worried please help...

chaz.. it's been said before, but if you've noticed a change in your baby's movements you need to go get it checked out at the hosp. They will not make you feel silly. Ring the hospital/triage and arrange to go; tell them your other symptoms as well. They will monitor the baby. I've had it done and it was really reassuring.
Just call them; don't wait! :)

Hi
I had these on and off from about 36 weeks until my DD was born at 40+9!! I was told by my mw at the time they could be braxton hicks as everyone feels them differently. If they are continuous and don't stop, definitely get checked out, but if they come and go alot then it's likely your body just warming up. I was told I just had a VERY long latent stage as well - when I had my first sweep I was a few cm dilated - which explained the pains!

Chaz - don't wait - go get checked out NOW. I never hesitated to get my DD checked and she was always fine, but they would much rather have you go in. It's really reassuring.

I have period pains too, am 34 weeks. I seem to remember getting them last time for a few weeks before DD arrived, this is earlier I think. I am achey and it gets worse when I walk-bearable though.

But has anyone had stabbing pains as the baby moves? I had terrible pains last night seemingly on my cervi-really really painful but short lived, maybe 2o seconds every 5-10 mins. Was going to ring assessment unit but they dies off when I lay down so I am guessing something to do with position or braxton hicks?!

Just bumping this as seem to be getting the pains only when walking or beding down today-worrying that its the baby's position as she was back to back but did some weird moving stuff last night-also she seemed to have hiccups when the worst of the pains were happening, wonder if her head (or feet?!)were pressing on my cervix or something.

Am 27 weeks pregnant and am having period pains almost every hour l also have serious cramps on both two legs and near my vjay, l can't walk properly and getting on the bed too and changing sides is the worst nightmare ,l went to see the gyno 3 days ago he said the baby is fine and what am experiencing is normal but am scared now