am i in labour? please help!!!?

Question

I am 38 weeks pregnant and having sharp cramping in lower abdominal area that tenses up my stomache but also feels like bub is pressing really hard on me and making my lower half tense feeling. It sorta comes and goes. I know to time it but wanted to know what your opinions are. I also have great pressure in my vagina and like stabbing pains. When i get the "contractions" it feels like bub is moving a fair bit. Is this normal or is it labour?

Answer 1

Ok have you timed these pains? Check the amount of time between them and how long they go for check it for about an hour if they get more server or they come more quickly go to hospital immediatley.

Also other signs the baby are comming you will loose the core from your cervix as it opens, this is like a mucus discharge kind of like a scab but not quite (sorry that is disgusting I know!!!) do you have any fluid leaks? You will know when your water breaks as it will be a big gush for most sometimes it is just a leak.

But I suggest if you are seriously worried call the hospital or birthing centre you are booked into and ask them for the best possible advice other wise sit back and relax you are going to need it!

Answer 2

A typical human childbirth will begin with the onset of contractions of the uterus. The frequency and duration of these contractions varies with the individual. The onset of labour may be sudden or gradual, and is defined as regular uterine activity in the presence of cervical dilatation.

During a contraction the long muscles of the uterus contract, starting at the top of the uterus and working their way down to the bottom. At the end of the contraction, the muscles relax to a state shorter than at the beginning of the contraction. This draws the cervix up over the baby's head. Each contraction dilates the cervix until it becomes completely dilated, often referred to as 10+ cm (4") in diameter.

A gradual onset with slow cervical change towards 3 cm (just over 1 inch) dilation is referred to as the "latent phase". A woman is said to be in "active labour" when contractions have become regular in frequency (3-4 in 10 minutes) and about 60 seconds in duration. The now powerful contractions are accompanied by cervical effacement and dilation greater than 3 cm. The labour may begin with a rupture of the amniotic sac, the paired amnion and chorion ("breaking of the water"). The contractions will accelerate in frequency and strengthen. In the "transition phase" from 8 cm–10 cm (3 or 4 inches) of dilation, the contractions often come every two minutes and are typically lasting 70–90 seconds. Transition is often regarded as the most challenging and intense for the mother. It is also the shortest phase.

During this stage, the expectant mother typically goes through several emotional phases. At first, the mother may be excited and nervous. Then, as the contractions become stronger, demanding more energy from the mother, mothers generally become more serious and focused. However, as the cervix finishes its dilation, some mothers experience confusion or bouts of self-doubt or giving up.

The duration of labour varies widely, but averages some 13 hours for women giving birth to their first child ("primiparae") and 8 hours for women who have already given birth.

If there is a significant medical risk to continuing the pregnancy, induction may be necessary. As this carries some risk, it is only done if the child or the mother are in danger from prolonged pregnancy. Forty-two weeks' gestation without spontaneous labour is often said to be an indication for induction although evidence does not show improved outcomes when labour is induced for post-term pregnancies. Inducing labour increases the risk of cesarean section and uterine rupture in mothers that have had a previous cesarean section.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour_%28childbirth%29#First_stage:_contractions

Answer 3

Certainly sounds like a distinct possibility of labour. Like you say, time your cramps, but also phone the hospital/midwife and ask their opinion. Even if it's Braxton Hicks better to check than worry. Best wishes to you, let us know what happens (lol - if you ever get time like when Bub is 14!) x

Answer 4

It's only two weeks early, so I think your baby will be ok if you do go into labour.

Have you had any blood come out of you? Have you lost your mucus plug yet?

Call the doc, and tell them about the pains.

Have fun with the baby when it comes. :-)

Answer 5

It sounds like labor but you need to call your OB right away. They will let you know if you need to time the contractions or come right in to the hospital.Call now!

Answer 6

Sweetie, you might be. We can't tell you for sure. What you need to do is call the hospital and have them contact your doctor. He'll tell you what he wants you to do. In the meantime, start timing the lenghth and how far apart they are, just incase it is contractions. Good luck!

Answer 7

Anyone in their right mind would not be on the net asking for help when they are in labor...go to the hospital for goodness sake and get checked out by a medical professional.

Answer 8

Sounds like we may have a baby soon! But call your Dr and see what he/she suggests you do!
Best of luck.

Answer 9

definitely contractions.
you maybe having false labor
your doctor will tell you the difference betwwen true and false labor.
see a doctor ASAP.

Answer 10

Good Luck and best wishes!