39 weeks Very mild pressure and period pain

[Josie9998]

Hi there I'm 39+4 and have been getting very mild period type cramps that wont havent went away apart from when I walk the past 2 hours. They dont feel like tightenings but my vagina (sorry for tmi) is quite sore it feels like someone has kicked me there and I have a lot of pressure, the midwife said the head is already engaged are are sending me for a sweep on Tuesday. What could this be the pains are just quite sore period type pains you would get in the vagina? No particular stomach pains

Mild period pain are the start of labour.

Sounds about right!!

Period pains for me started at almost 12am and I had my first baby at 6:40am.

Keep your midwife informed.

Forgot to say this is also first baby so I have no idea what to expect!

Sounds like me the day before proper contractions started! Get as much rest and sleep now as you can OP and good luck!

It’s likely to be the start of labour. Inform your midwife, and if you like you can use an app to keep track of contractions. Once they are regular (every five minutes maybe?) and last a minimum length of time (can’t remember what that is) you will be in full blown labour and it will be time to go to the hospital.

Still having these pains have only intensified a little, having back pain also really unsure what to do

Wait until you know for sure they are contractions (you will know!) and then follow the guidelines given to you about how far apart they need to be before you go in.

You will know when they’re proper contractions. Try going for a walk, and/or lying down for a bit see if either of those stop the pains or if they slow down at all. I had on/off period type pain for over a week before labour started plus really low, sharp pressure on and off for a few days beforehand.

Real labour doesn’t stop and start if you walk about, the contractions tend to come regardless so try timing them with a bit of movement and see if it has an effect.

My labour started like this. Call the midwife/hospital and describe what you're feeling. They'll then let you know what the next steps should be, and good to get on their radar.

Also - if you’re in any doubt at all, call your labour ward! The people of the phones are absolute experts in spotting labour and knowing when to get you in. You can call them any time and say that you think it might be starting and they’ll walk you through what to do.

I had at least 24 hours of this in my first pregnancy before everything ramped up to proper contractions. In my second pregnancy I had period-type pains and back ache every evening for over a week but then a pretty fast labour when it got going properly.

Although of course I am sure you want this to be "it" and are excited to meet your baby, do try and relax and rest. You'll need all your energy soon.

Just rest. This is likely to be the start of a long tiring time including labour be getting to know your baby, both of which are exhausting.

Enjoy the peace for a bit 😉

How are you doing OP?