contractions ? maybe braxton hicks? everyone plz read and try to answer?

Question

i feel bad because i ask so many questions but i try to answer others when i can and i appreciate everyone who takes the time to answer me and try to help thankyou so much but anyways as for another question its my first pregnancy im 37 weeks my Dr.Appt 2 days ago said i was 1cm dialated and 70%effaced i have no idea what contractions feel like everyone says like menstrual cramps has anyone felt contractions on one side? at first then it eventually progressed to both sides im expieriencing mentrual like cramps more towards the right side of my pelvic area instead both sides???

Answer 1

It is not set in stone that all contractions involve pain in an isolated area. Through 2 of my pregnancies I experienced back pain with severe cramping, the second birth suddenly became lower abdominal pain as I reached the hospital and remained as such through delivery. My first was back pain from start to finish! My 3rd delivery was nothing... not painful much at all... felt tired cramped up and a bit nauseious, otherwise fine. All were un-complicated deliveries.

Answer 2

okay, it's impossible to say. Everyone's cramps are different.

I would wait. If and when you go into labor, you likely won't be in doubt. You could be experiencing the baby getting into a head down position.

I know this last month is the pits. We've all been there.

Drink some water, watch a movie, relax, and if the pains increase or become more frequent, just call your OB. Don't be afraid to do that. They anticipate this question from most moms once they hit your point in the pregnancy, and they will probably tell you the same thing I did. Wait, sit down, have some water, maybe take a shower and a nap. If it's labor, it won't stop and it will get more intense.

congratulations! It's almost over! *hugs*

Answer 3

False Labor (Braxton Hicks)
- Begins irregular & remains irregular
- Pain felt in abdomen & stays is abdomen
- no change in frequency, duration & intensity
- pain is eased in ambulation
- does not achieve cervix dilatation

True Labor
- begins irregular but becomes regular in time (2 to 5 mins intervals)
- Pain felt in lower back first then transfers to abdomen like a wave
- increases in frequency, duration & intensity
- pain is not eased by any change in level of activity
- achieves cervis dilatation

From: NCM 99
+++++++++++++++++++++

Yes, those are contractions
Since you are already 37 weeks (& the usual is about 39-41 weeks)
You need 10cm dilatation before being ready for a delivery & 95-100% effecion..

Answer 4

It's hard to say. BH ctx tend to be a very painless tightening in the uterine area. When the ctx extends around the back or goes down into the leg, it is more like a regular ctx. Regular ctx don't have to be painful either.

If they are BH, change of activity usually stops them (either resting or walking around). Drink pleanty of fluids as dehydration can cause preterm labor sometimes or increase BH. BH are usually irregular. Labor ctx tend to get closer together, stronger, and more regular as time goes by.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Hunny take it from someone who had the same fear (what do they feel like?) When my first son was ready I was woken up at 4 am by what I had been dreaming was kicking in my stomach by a horse. This is what my dr. told me... "if you have to ask its not the real thing". Now 27 weeks in to my second pregnancy and wishing you the best.

Answer 6

I was lucky, minimal bh pain. The only ones I had I thought was real labor and hosp kept me for 3 hours before I demanded to go home. They were going to keep me all night! Anyway I recommend http://www.babycenter.com/ for pregnancy and beyond, also a free magazine.