33 weeks and in pain

[Natsku]

I've been having mild period-like pains for the last week and a bit, they just last for twenty to thirty minutes or so and then go away. Today a similarish pain (not quite the same, it's a bit sharper and it's more like a constant ache in my lower left abdomen) came about two hours ago and it hasn't gone, and now my back is hurting too (lower, and around the flanks as well). None of it is contraction-like (at least not like I remember contractions being like when I had DD)

I was at the doctor yesterday because I had a panic attack and thought I might have a UTI because I was getting stabbing pains in my bladder and had my urine checked, all clear, blood pressure fine, CRP fine etc. so can rule out urine or kidney infection at least. Baby is moving fine, lots actually (and the movements are painful too - can't remember if that's normal or not, is it?). Have taken paracetemol ten minutes ago and waiting to see if it helps, pain seems to be getting more intense though. It's too late to call my midwife today (it's 4pm where I am) but I have my next appointment on Monday.

The worst pain seems to be in my left flank now.

How are you @Natsku feeling.

I got something similar at 37 weeks ended up at triage and was told I have irritable uterus which I think is a cop out for We have no idea.

I'm sorry iv come in too late did you phone your midwife.

I went for a walk to see if it would help and I think it has (though it made my hip instead). Seems to have gone now, or maybe the paracetemol kicked in, not sure.

Now I just thought, I've been a bit constipated the last couple of days, it's probably that, right?

Left hand side is your large intestine it so could be and I confuse my ibs with period like pains all the time. They are quite similar. Do you have any buscopan? Walk sounds lovely though except from aggravating your hips.

It's come back a bit but not as bad as earlier. I do have some buscopan actually, will give that a try.

I was the same around that stage, lasted until almost 40 weeks pregnant at which point ds2 was born very very quickly. Midwife said in hindsight, I'd been in slow labour for weeks.

If baby is moving and there are no signs of labour yet, I'd just rest as much as possible.

Ok, I shall rest as much as possible (pretty much all I've been doing anyway!)

You should have a phone number for local maternity triage to call when midwife not there.

The only place to call when midwife is not available is the hospital in the city so I didn't call there as if they asked me to come in I wouldn't have been able to (car is out of action - OH is picking up our new car today) but pretty sure now constipation was the cause because I feel much better after a poo this morning!! Have taken some lactulose to keep things going (on iron supplements so they are to blame I expect)

Appreciate that its difficult to head to the hospital, but do bear in mind using the triage number if something isnt right as 33 weeks still needs a bit more "baking" before its ready. Its better to at least call for advice than to miss an opportunity to address an evolving problem.
Lots of water, friut and veg and adding bran to my cereal or eating oats daily has improved my fibre. intake

Will bear it in mind if the pain comes back (I would have gone to the local health centre if it had got worse last night and then they could have transferred me to the hospital if necessary but lying down helped ease the pain), will be ok once OH is back with our new car as then we can get to the hospital if needed.

Am eating lots of fruit already but could definitely stand to drink more water and will add in porridge. Thanks for the advice.

Aim for 2L+ of fluids each day or so your urine is pale yellow/clear and you wee regularly. I drink way more, but always have done. Keeping well hydrated will help keep your stools softer....and reduce water retention, as will regular activity.
some supermarkets sell bran near the porridge oats and sprinkling that on cereal helps and doesnt have any real flavour, but is full of fibre.
If you have any pregnancy problems, you can see your gp, but a midwife will be better at assessing you unless its something straightforward like a water infection.