so what is the purpose of these menstrual like cramps in the 3rd trimester?

Question

For the past week, I have been feeling like I am going to start my menstrual and today...wow, I laid in the bed like I used to do when I would be on my period. I seriously could have convinced myself I was starting lol. I know it is supposed to be a pre-labor symptom, but what is its purpose exactly. Gosh, I feel sorry for my OB when I go back cause I have more than a handful of questions swarming in my head. I mean, I just figured out it was cramping the other day (been a long time lol), but it was very mild until today. Glad I slept through it lol. Anyone else as far or farther than me experiencing the menstrual like cramping? This stuff is getting exciting!

I know they are getting my body ready, but what are they doing?

36w4d

Answer 1

The cramps you describe are "Braxton-Hicks contractions", and are actually your uterus contracting and getting itself ready for the real thing. These contractions strengthen the muscles of the uterus to get them ready for the work of labor when you are ready to give birth. Your uterus has several layers of muscles, and the layers of muscle fibres in each layer run different directions. Braxton Hicks contractions cause contractions, but the muscle layers do not contract coordinately, or all together, but in individual layers or small groups. When you go into labor, all of the muscle fibres in the various layers will coordinate and work together with the contractions in order for the cervix to fully efface and dilate. Before labor starts, your cervix is less than one centimeter dilated and about an inch thick. In order for your baby to be delivered, your cervix must thin out (efface) to 100% and then dilate from 1 centimeter to 10 centimeters. Medical research and findings suggest that the Braxton-Hicks contractions do some benefit in not only conditioning and strengthening the uterus, but also aid in effacing (thinning out) the cervix and beginning the early pre-labor dilation in first time mothers. It is due to these "practice sessions" that some first time mothers will be completely effaced and sometimes 2 to 3 centimeters dilated in the last week or two of their pregnancies and not yet be in labor.
If you start noticing that the cramping you are feeling is becoming more pronounced, stronger, and more regular, you may be starting labor. Should this happen, time your contractions from the start of one contraction to the beginning of the next one. Note how long the cramp is lasting, and how much time between each one. If your contractions are lasting a full 60 seconds and are 5 to 10 minutes apart for at lease one full hour, with increasing strength of the contractions, you are likely in labor and should call your doctor. If you are having Braxton Hicks contractions, they usually fizzle out and stop, but if it is labor, it will not stop, but increase in intensity, and will also have some bloody or pinkish discharge as labor gets underway. Also note if you have any uncontrollable leakage or gush of fluid from the vagina. This could be your membranes rupturing or leaking. If this happens call your OB and go to the hospital. Good luck and congratulations.

Answer 2

Menstrual Cramps During Late Pregnancy

Answer 3

Menstrual Like Cramps During Pregnancy

Answer 4

You're right, it is exciting. It means it's getting close to time to meet your child! The purpose of Braxton-Hicks contractions (aka false labor) is kind of like warm-up exercises. As you get closer to term, the purpose is to begin the process of dilation and effacement, which usually starts a month or more before the baby is born. You may go into the doctor and she/he will tell you, you're 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced. That was helped by Braxton-Hicks. Don't get excited, it could be another month before you actually give birth. The contractions will get stronger and more frequent as time nears for the baby to come. Braxton-Hicks contractions will always stop after a while, sometimes just by changing your activity. When you're really in labor, they won't stop or get less intense.
Keep a notepad with you and everytime you think of something to ask your OB, write it down, so you won't forget anything.
Enjoy this time! You'll be talking about it the rest of your life! lol

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
so what is the purpose of these menstrual like cramps in the 3rd trimester?
For the past week, I have been feeling like I am going to start my menstrual and today...wow, I laid in the bed like I used to do when I would be on my period. I seriously could have convinced myself I was starting lol. I know it is supposed to be a pre-labor symptom, but what is its purpose...

Answer 6

As your pregnancy progresses, Braxton Hicks contractions tend to come somewhat more often, but until you get to your last few weeks, they should remain infrequent, irregular, and essentially painless. Sometimes, though, Braxton Hicks are hard to distinguish from early signs of preterm labor. Play it safe and don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. If you haven't hit 37 weeks yet and you're having four or more contractions in an hour, or have any other signs of preterm labor, call your caregiver immediately.

By the time you're within a couple of weeks of your due date, these contractions may get more intense and more frequent, and cause some discomfort. Unlike the earlier painless and sporadic Braxton Hicks contractions that caused no obvious cervical change, these may help your cervix "ripen": gradually soften and efface, and maybe even begin to dilate a bit. This period is sometimes referred to as "pre-labor."

Answer 7

they are called braxton hicks contractions...they are getting your body ready just like you said

Braxton Hicks' contractions, also known as false labour or practice contractions, occur during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It is a tightening of the uterine muscles for one to two minutes and is thought to be an aid to the body in its preparation for birth. Not all expectant mothers have these contractions which can start as early as 20 weeks into the pregnancy. But what your describing is normal. They are thought to be part of the process of effacement, the thinning and dilation of the cervix.

I hope all goes well and you have a beautiful baby!!

Answer 8

Some women actually feel menstrual like cramping when they are having contractions. I would start timing them and if you're earlier than 37 weeks I would let your Dr. know if you have more than 6 in an hour. If you are over 37 weeks follow your Dr's orders as to what to do when you think you're in labor.
I'm a childbirth educator and RN in an OB/Gyn office--just so you know.

Answer 9

It's Braxton Hicks contractions... and you could look at them as practice contractions. It's getting your Uterus ready for the big moment. Don't feel sorry for your OB... it's your job to ask questions and be as prepared as possible.
Make sure you're packed for the hospital... because you never know if you'll be early. Trust me... you'll know when the real contractions start.
Good luck... and it's so refreshing to see someone use the word exciting rather than scared!... It'll be painful... but I have a feeling you look at things with a positive attitude. You'll have a ball... don't miss a moment of it.. and make sure you have that mirror so you can see your little baby coming out. It's really cool. I'll be having my second in January... and can't wait!

Answer 10

They are called Braxton Hickes ( I hope I spelled it correctly) contractions. They feel like labor and it is your uterus contracting, preparing for the birth. Be sure to ask your doctor if you are concerned and if there is any spotting. They do feel like menstrual cramps, but they don't last for hours like those do.