Third trimester symtoms

[Fipfop]

Hi everyone. Just wondering if anyone had any similar symptoms and how things went for you? I know every pregnancy is different but just for fun really.

I'm 33 weeks today. For the last few days I've started getting period pains in my front and back on an evening and into the night. They aren't in waves or accompanied by tightenings though. I've had an increase in braxton hicks, these are becoming much stronger too. I've had lots of watery discharge for a few weeks, however the last couple of days it seems to be a little bit brown. Slight bit of mucus plug at the weekend. My bump is also noticeably lower this morning, however I do think it's got a way to go yet. I've also been much more tired and my hips have been more sore the last few days.

I know probably just being in the 3rd trimester, just would be nice to think that my body was getting ready seeing as I had an emergency section last time due to a failed induction. I'm hoping for a vbac this time around.

Thanks for sharing any experiences!

Hmmmm as a midwife, the period pains accompanied by brown watery discharge would be a concern for me. It could be that your waters have gone somewhere, and there may be an infection. Do you have any other signs or symptoms of feeling unwell/an infection? It may be an idea to get yourself checked over at the hospital? There's a test that we do that's a bit like a pregnancy test in that it can give you a positive/negative for your waters having broken. It can only be done as long as you haven't had intercourse in the last 24hrs, and is done via a speculum. They can also see via the speculum if there is any waters pooling in the vagina which can aid their diagnosis. They may also just do a swab as a a precaution.

@USaYwHatNow thanks so much for replying. Wasn't really expecting that response to be honest!

So the brown is only noticeable when it's dried on my pad. I don't notice it when I wipe. And the watery discharge is making my underwear/ pad quite damp but I've not had anything running. Is this still something you would think needs checking out?

No signs of infection either.

Get checked at the hospital. Better safe

I thi k given the fact that the increase has been a sudden change, and the fact that the colour has changed, I would just give them a ring to be on the safe side. For example, I'm also 30 weeks pregnant, but my discharge has pretty much stayed the same. Although it does get lighter in colour the more hydrated I am (who knew!? 😂) but if I all of a sudden was very wet, with brown coloured discharge I would personally get it checked out. Any reason the blood could be old blood? Any recent intercourse that could've just caused a small bleed from the cervix? Is your placenta low lying? You've already ruled out the braxton hicks as you say the cramps feel a bit different. And it's definitely not urine? Sometimes if you've got a urine infection that can cause incontinence and/ or cramps. UTI in pregnancy if left unchecked can in some cases cause pre term labour. There's a few things there that I would probably have ruled out by the hospital.

Thanks so much, that's all great information. I've had cervical erosion on and off for few years now so could definitely be that. I think I'll go get it checked out though, it'll just be on my mind otherwise! I'm having growth scans every 3 weeks due to low Papp a, and fluid levels have been good so I'm
Sure it's not that but better to be safe I think!