34+1, rock hard bump, period pains and shooting pains in ladybit... feeling scared reassurance please...

[Bicnod]

I'm 34+1 so not full term yet and have had period type pains over the past couple of days (lasting a few hours at a time). This evening my bump has gone rock hard. Don't think its braxton hicks as not hard for a short time, its been rock hard for an hour or so. And this evening I've been getting shooting pains down there...

...someone tell me this is normal and baby's going to stay put for next few weeks... please!!!

anyone???

I think you should phone your midwife if you are concerned. Mumsnet is not a source of medical advice.

It may well be braxton hicks or your baby's head is engaging more deeply into the pelvis. Braxton Hicks can be surprisingly strong.

Contractions don't last an hour, what normally happens if they start of being about every half an hour, last 20 seconds and then gradually increase in frequency and the length they last. When you are in full blown established labour your contractions will be every three to five minutes and last a minute.

Have you had any other symptoms like your waters breaking or a show?

However please don't take my word for it, I'm not a health professional.

Hi reallytired - thanks for responding...

...no, haven't had waters/show. I don't think I'm in labour am just feeling a bit worried about the tightness of the bump/other symptoms meaning that things are imminent when its too early...

baby still wriggling so that's reassuring...

you're right - i'll phone midwife tomorrow if still worrying

Likewise, not an HCP, but similar experience around same time and it was BH together with baby pressing on nerve during very slow descent. Lasted until 37/38 weeks and I went overdue by nearly 2 weeks too.

thanks mrssprat, that's reassuring... just don't want baby coming out before he/she is fully cooked!!