39 weeks - period pains

[Mip]

Hi all, have had period pains/ cramps (but nothing resembling contractions... not that I know what they feel like, but am guessing not!) on and off for about a week now. Last couple of days, stronger and more often. Pretty sure it's not a UTI as it's not at all in connection with peeing and have had UTIs before and this doesn't match up. Have heard it can be a sign of labour but as I said I've had it on and off for about a week, no pain/contractions and baby still wriggling around happily seeming far from ready to leave! Could this just be the body gearing up, or baby engaging or could it be the start of something? Thank you!

Any ideas anyone?

Think maybe your are getting started for labour. but if you are worried call your midwife. Good luck x

Was the baby engaged at your last midwife check? Sounds like you're gearing up. Keep an eye for any regularity. Have a bath - if they go away, you're not in labour yet.

Thanks guys, not worried, just curious (and hopeful like most people that the end is near... though my flat's a mess - nesting instinct has not kicked in - so I actually need the next week!).

TNP - baby wasn't engaged on Tuesday when I last saw the mw and don't think he has yet. She said she thinks it will take strong contractions for him to do so. Re the bath, as I said these are period pains - that dull, heavy feeling in your tummy - not contractions/proper cramp cramps.

Me again, continuing about baths/regularity etc as sent post off too early... not something that is regular or not as such as just period feeling. Coming and going, not constant. Do you still think it's a sign?

More thoughts? Sorry for pestering!

Well, it does seem to me to be a 'gearing-up' sign. Period-type niggles and twingesa and general feeling of 'not quite right' often signal it, I think. But it doesn't mean anything's going to necessarily get going immediately - you could be like this for a few days yet. Just be extra-aware and monitor yourself for any further signs & try to get as much rest now as you can. Good luck!

Relax. You'll know when you are in labour as it will HURT! You are looking for the pains to become regular, start coming closer together and not go away when you have a bath, change position etc. You waters may break early on, or may hang on until you are in established labour.
There is no one way to start labour and there is no 'sign' or test as such, some people go off like a rocket and some have the pains you are experiencing for a while, days or weeks. So long as baby is moving you'll be fine.

Thanks very much both of you! And Reikizen, I wasn't really thinking labour (though it would be lovely if this was all the pain there was!) just whether this could mean my body could be getting ready for it (and the hurting that means real labour ).

Bound to be practice contractions but you should rule out UTI. If you can't get pee tested this weekend, drink lots of water and some cranberry.