Continuous stomach cramps at 39 weeks

[Duesept20]

Hey! Can anyone tell me if its normal to have continuous stomach cramps at 39 weeks?

I have a continuous pain across the bottom of my tummy today. I can't decide whether it feels like period pain or like the kind of cramps you'd get with a stomach bug. I dont have a massively upset stomach, although I did have loose stools this morning and feel a bit sick.

Does this all sound normal?

Is this your first baby? It could well be contractions! Can you time them and see if they come and go? Might be worth a ring into your maternity ward, they may just ask you in to check you out :)

@EllieJai44 Thanks for your advice 😊 This is my first, yes. I'm assuming it's not contractions because the pain is continuous, rather than coming in waves? And it also seems to be worst when sitting down 🤔 I'm really not sure what to make of it!

@Duesept20 its always worth calling and seeing what they say, especially because youre 39 weeks, labour can start different for everyone!

It does sound like it might be the start of something. My contractions initially felt like a cramp in my cervix. The first one I thought that it was just a stretching pain. It was only when the next one arrived, then the next, then the next and I started timing it that I realised that they were between 6 and 8 minutes apart and regular.

@EllieJai44 thank you, I'll see how I get on for a couple of hours, and maybe call then. I'm hesitant to call because I can still function, its just like a constant period pain and pressure on my bowels. Bit confusing really.

Baby has dropped since Friday and everything feels totally different with him since then 🙄

I would call your midwife. When my contractions started, I was convinced it was wind!

@Brenna24, thanks for your advice! I'm really not sure what it is. It feels like a constant period pain at the moment, and I feel sick (but I haven't actually been sick!) so I'm really unsure as to what's going on. It's annoying though!

2 of my labours started with a long continuous kind of aching/ cramping feeling, before it turned into waves. All of mine were 39 weekers. So on those 2 fronts, I'd say check your bags are ready to go, and give the midwife a call. Good luck!

@Antihop ohhh ok thank you ❤ I'll see how I get on in the next couple of hours. I was thinking it would be pretty obvious when it was contractions....But errr....maybe not 😂 it feels like a constant dull ache somewhere between period pain and trapped wind. But it's not ridiculously painful, I haven't taken paracetamol or anything.

@Wellhighthereneighbors Nooooooo 😂 I'm not ready for labour 😂I'm scared!
It's not painful at the moment, its just uncomfortable and constant, which is super annoying. It feels kind of low down and like a sort of dull, throbbing period pain 🤷‍♀️

Op this is also how my labour started after I was induced! Felt like period pains, then I thought I needed a poo. Turned out to be labour! Good luck

@Itoldyouthisbefore....Nooooooo!!! I'm so not ready for this 😂😭 terrified!

Call in to your hospital and see what they say, no point waiting a couple of hours if they can check you over now.

I would give the midwife triage line a call and see what they say, but make sure you bag is packed! People start labour in all sorts of ways. It could be that baby is just sitting in a way that's causing the pain, or it could be the start of things. Good luck!

My pains started at 39+4
Sounds like it could be labour starting! How exciting! Good luck!

@Duesept20 when you have your baby in your arms it will be amazing! I've just found out I'm pregnant with our 3rd today so completely understand the terrified feeling

Oh bless your heart, I think its time!

That is how labour started for me. The GP said it was because I had grown a lump !!! That was on a Saturday and was rushed into the maternity unit on a Monday morning by an ambulance with the bell on. The baby was a month early. Enjoyed writing a card telling my GP.

I've had continuous cramps for 3 days now non-stop. All low down along my pelvic bone Lost my mucus plug on Sunday. My midwife said it could be the start of this could last a week or 2.

Doesn't seem anything is happening for me at all 😭

Let us know what it turns out to be for you! I'd love for mine to finally turn into something more! Days of cramp are not fun!

It's time op, good luck!

Sounds like classic labour op. Phone the labour ward, find your bag. Good luck.

Sooooo just spoken to a midwife....She reckons its "a weird form of Braxton hicks"....so we will see.
I actually just went to the supermarket quickly and the pain is more noticeable sitting down, but definitely still comes and goes standing up. So, we'll see 🤷‍♀️

@CNovittBolden Aww I'm sorry, that sounds pretty common though. I bet I'll be the exact same!
The midwife I just spoke to says it sounds like a different form of Braxton Hicks. So we'll have to see. I really don't know what's going on to be honest.

good luck sounds as if baby is thinking of making an appearence super exciting !
my children all arrived fast with minimal pain and bother. Mostly just feelings of pressure and at the start feeling like need to use loo frequently at 38,39& 40 weeks. (only once on 3rd my waters broke)
so enjoy the day think it could be a long time before you have a day to yourself again.

@853ax thank you, I hope my experience is similar to how yours have been! Especially given that we've got covid restrictions to contend with.
Midwife reckons its Braxton Hicks but said to phone triage if it gets any more intense. So goodness knows what it is! Can kind of feel it in my hips sometimes too 🤷‍♀️