Can contractions be a sign of a warning for baby being hurt?

Question

I AM 38 WEEKS AND I HAVE CONTRACTIONS AT NIGHT, SEEMS ALL NIGHT. I DONT GET ANY SLEEP. THE CONTRACTIONS DONT HURT TO MUCH BUT THEY DO HURT MY BACK REALLY BAD. WHEN I GET UP IN THE MORNING MY CONTRACTIONS WILL STOP... I AM SO CONFUSED AND DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. DO YOU THINK WHEN SOMEONE HAS SO MANY CONTRACTIONS THAT IT IS ANY KIND OF SIGN THAT YOUR BABY IS HURT ? MY DR. DOESNT SEEM TO LISTEN NOR CARE... BUT I HAVE TO KEEP HIM CAUSE MY INSURANCE SUCKS ! IM TOO FAR ALONG IN MY PREGNANCY TO SWITCH. IM JUST MISERABLE :(

Answer 1

I'm right where you are now, too. 38 weeks and every night I think I'm going into labor because I'm getting painful braxton-hicks contractions. I get a nagging lower backache while these contractions are going on, too. But by morning it's over.

Haven't discovered much in the way of relief except the passage of time - usually these episodes go from like midnight to 2 or 3 a.m. Getting up to pee and actually just sit there on the potty sometimes helps! While I'm sitting on the potty I lean over gently to stretch my lower back. When I get back in bed, I get in an almost sitting up position - I'm not going to be sleeping anyway so it's ok. Later on when they stop, I get "comfy" again on my side with pillows and catch some z's then.

I know for sure the contractions do not hurt the baby. In fact, the contractions are toning your uterus for labor and giving baby a little practice, too. Unless you have a pre-existing condition or your baby has been diagnosed with a condition, both mom and baby tolerate the rigors of labor well, including those massive contractions. Baby is well insulated and cushioned in your womb with all that fluid. In fact, some babies sleep through many of the contractions!

Hang in there.....it won't be long now for us. And these practice contractions may be saving you some work later on if you're uterus is already dilating and effacing some.

Answer 2

Your baby isn't hurt. You're having Braxton-Hicks contractions. Basically, it's a practice contraction for your body to prepare for the real thing.

I know they're Braxton-Hicks because you say they feel better when you get up in the morning. A real contraction would not go away when you move around. Now, if you start having contractions that don't get better or get worse when you change positions, start timing them and if you have more than 4 per hour, contact your doctor.

Also, I wouldn't use this doctor anymore if you can possibly help it. If he won't listen to your complaints, then he's not a very good doctor.

Answer 3

Sounds fairly normal to me. I always had more contractions in the evenings than during the day. 2 of my 3 kids ended up being born at night, so don't be surprised if your baby is too.

You should do some pelvic rocking before you go to bed. It might help your back. Also, what position do you sleep in? Try laying on your left side with a pillow between your knees.

Answer 4

i don't think your baby is hurt other wise it wouldn't happen just at night. its probably braxton hicks ( false labor) contractions. it could also be a pinched nerve or something like that since it happens while laying down. I had to sleep in the recliner at the end of my pregnancy other wise i had shooting pains in my legs,. try different sleeping positions.

Answer 5

pregnancy is very uncomfortable in the third trimester, but if your having severe pain i would go to the hospital tell them you want an ultrasound just to make sure the babys ok GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

maybe you should go to the e.r. and find out what is going on.