39 weeks, period cramping

[Keepingcomfy]

I'm sure these type of threads have been done to death, but just feel I need a bit advice or hear others experiences.

I'm 39w + 4 and for most of today I've been feeling period like cramping. It doesn't seem to be coming and going though, it's sort of constant but with peaks. Also dull ache in my lower back, although this could be because I've been on my feet batch cooking for an hour or two.

I had a tricky tummy yesterday as well. I'm going out of my mind wondering if this could be the start of it! Could it be??

@Lil28 That's brilliant! Fingers crossed things get moving. Was it uncomfortable? I genuinely cannot make my mind up

@pocoyoandellie @atsilentraindrops Aw I can understand that must be a worry. I hope you'll be home at Christmas and baby comes before 🙏🏼

Flavourable sounds good. Not to rein in your parade but if you’ve have a previous vaginal birth then it’s normal for your cervix to be at 1cm anyway.

I tried everything to induce labour exception induction to avoid a c section at 39 weeks. Nipple stimulation or expressing is suppose to help but I am my friends all swear by spending a couple of hours a night bouncing on a birthing ball while watching films.

I am in hospital, had pessary for induction at 10am after coming in last night for reduced movements. Really didn’t want to be induced but nevermind 😩

@Keepingcomfy not going to lie it wasn't pleasant but it was manageable! I just kept on telling myself that labour is going to be a lot worse 🤣 I've been for a walk and have been having period type pains most of the day but I know sweeps can give you false contractions so trying to not get my hopes up!

@Thatwentbadly This is my first child 😊

I'm 39+2 today with my second child, booked for a sweep if no baby by Tuesday. Been having lots of pains and cramps for about a week now, no mucus plug has come away tho, but also lots of pain/pressure in my groin so I'm hoping hw makes an appearance over the weekend as I dont want to miss Christmas day with my dd. Sods law tho I will have a christmas day baby lol

@Thatwentbadly yea I am constantly bouncing on my ball, loads of walking and lots of sex 🤪 xx

Can I join? I'm 40+1 any more signs anyone? Nothing here

I've had a bit of a sore tummy tonight. Sometimes feels rock hard, and almost like I'm bloated. Also have sore groins, but I think that might be my enthusiastic birthing ball bounces.

@viixie due date twin! No signs here either. Had a sweep earlier and apparently cervix is soft and 1-2cm dilated though 🤞🏽

I've been having tightenings since about 7ish this morning. I can't be sure if it's bloody braxton hicks or if they're real though. They feel different to previous cramps, as it's not constant however they feel very close together to be proper contractions. Seeing midwife this morning and decided to go for the sweep, so she can at least tell me if anything has happened to my cervix!

@Keepingcomfy sounds promising! Keep us updated 🤞🏽

@1stbabs I didn't even get a sweep at my midwife appointment as baby still isn't engaged

@viixie oh no 😫 ... if it helps at all I've been reading sweep threads all morning, and lots of people have gone naturally shortly after failed sweeps! x

@1stbabs unfortunately it wasn't even a failed sweep. She didn't even try anything down below as when she felt my abdomen babies head wasn't engaged enough in my pelvis

@viixie Oh how frustrating, have you got another appointment to try again?

@viixie aw I am sorry to hear that. You must feel a bit deflated. Try not to get too down about it. When are you seeing her again?

I had the sweep this morning. She said because the baby's head is so low the cervix is still behind it, however it's open at the bottom and lost some muscus plug. The cramps have continued since and seem to be every 5/6 minutes. I don't know if it's just intense menstrual type cramps or actual contractions. Very confused!

@1stbabs and @Keepingcomfy thankyou, I felt really frustrated yesterday but I think that makes it worse so I have been trying to relax and not look at messages/social media today. I have my next midwife appointment on Monday but I'm hoping this baby will make an appearance before then 😭

Sounds like the sweep has done the trick for you @Keepingcomfy good luck keep us updated :) I'm only slightly jealous lol 😂 how far along are you?

Wee update from me, contractions went very quickly into full labour. Arrived at hospital at 2215 and my beautiful (surprise) baby boy was out at 0028 this morning. It wasn't what I'd planned, so I'll spare you the details. But I've been looked after so so well, and am just absolutely besotted with my wee man 😍 Hope you're all coming on well xx

Ah congratulations OP! Hope you get home soon with your little one 🥰

Woke up at 3am with pains which tailed off after about half an hour. Nothing since. 40 + 3 now and so grumpy I could cry!

Anyone else with any signs??

Congratulations @Keepingcomfy! That gives me some hope as I battle through yet another day of agonising period like cramps sounds like the sweep gave your body the push that it needed. Enjoy the snuggles!

@Keepingcomfy congratulations, enjoy every minute. Lovely news 🥰

40+3 today and no real signs here, tmi but I even tried sex on top in the middle of the night I'm that desperate and I just felt bruised inside. I have backache this morning now though