Period pains 36 weeks

[HSarah]

Today I am 36 weeks exactly and I'm having period pains low down. This is my first pregnancy. Does this kind of thing happen in late pregnancy or is it a sign of something happening?

I’m 39 weeks and have been having them for weeks, unfortunately. I didn’t have anything like this with my first 2 DC so thought things were happening, but 4 weeks later I’ve just accepted it! Midwife says it’s normal and just the body practising.

OK that's reassuring thank you! I've just got all the baby's clothes out of drawers and started washing them as had a bit of a panic moment!

It's 25 years since I was pregnant but I'd say that sounds like Braxton Hicks contractions, which are totally normal in late pregnancy and often fool women into thinking they're in labour. You contact your midwife if they persist and if the contractions get more frequent and more intense, as I recall, and obviously if your waters broke or you had a bloody discharge, but none of that is likely to happen at 36 weeks.

Good luck!

PS Not a bad idea to have your hospital bag packed by this stage, though.

I had period pains at 37+1. DD was born at 37+3.

I had backache & then had DD later that day!

I'm 37+1 and have had period pains on and off for 2 days now. Definitely not Braxton-Hicks as the pain is mostly constant. Feel like I can barely walk. I assumed things might be starting but they haven't progressed any further yet. I want to cry at the thought of having these pains for another 3 weeks. Hoping things either kick off or they pass!

Completely know how you feel dancingbee. When I think of going overdue like I did with my first two I could cry.

I got what I thought was bad wind pain. It was contractions.

The only time I’ve had period-like pains in my third trimester are on days that I have gone on to give birth.

I definitely agree about having your hospital bag ready.

The only time I’ve had period-like pains in my third trimester are on days that I have gone on to give birth

Yes, same for me with my first two babies. That’s they the last month of this pregnancy has been so bloody frustrating! I think when I do actually go into labour I will ignore it as I’ve been having these pains for so long