Anyone have all kinds of different pains 1 month prior to labor?

Question

Too many types of pains: having a pulling pain down low in the triangle between my hips, menstrual type cramping sometimes with an overall tightening of the whole uterus, sharp under the rib pain, and sometimes pain around my back.

Anyone know why all of these are happening but labor isn't starting yet? I am 40 weeks.

Answer 1

On television, babies are often born with a rush of emotion and swift action. The mother doubles over from the pain of a single contraction, and the baby appears before the commercial break.

In reality, labor usually begins less dramatically.

No one knows for sure what triggers labor — and every woman's experience is unique. But understanding the typical signs of labor can help you know what to expect as your due date approaches.

Lightening: Adjusting the pressure
One of the first signs of labor may be a sensation that the baby is settling deeper into your pelvis. This is known as lightening.

The baby's new position may give your lungs more room to expand, making it easier to breathe. On the flip side, you may experience pelvic discomfort, and increased pressure on your bladder may send you to the bathroom more often.

For a first pregnancy, lightening may occur weeks or days before labor begins. For subsequent pregnancies, it may not happen ahead of time. For some women, the changes are obvious. Others may not notice a thing.

Effacement: Ripening of the cervix
Your cervix prepares for birth by softening and thinning, or effacing. You won't feel this sign of labor happening. Instead, your health care provider will check for signs of cervical change with vaginal exams.

Effacement is often expressed in percentages. When you're 50 percent effaced, your cervix is half its original thickness. Your cervix must be 100 percent effaced, or completely thinned out, before a vaginal delivery.

Dilation: Opening of the cervix
Your cervix will also begin to open, or dilate. Your health care provider will measure the dilation in centimeters from zero to 10.

At first, these cervical changes may be very slow. In fact, some women are dilated 2 to 3 centimeters for days or even weeks before labor actually begins. Your progress isn't a good indicator of when labor will begin, but rather a general sign that you're getting ready for labor. Once you're in active labor, expect to dilate more quickly.

Bloody show: Loss of mucus plug
During pregnancy, a thick plug of mucus blocks the cervical opening to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. When your cervix begins to thin and open, this plug may be discharged. You may notice stringy mucus or a thick discharge. It's typically brown and sometimes tinged with blood.

Losing the mucus plug is among the telltale signs of labor, but it's not a guarantee. Labor may still be a week or more away.

Nesting: Spurt of energy
You might wake up one morning feeling energetic, raring to attack dust bunnies under the couch, set up the crib and arrange your baby's outfits according to color. This urge to clean and organize is commonly known as nesting. No one knows for sure, but it may be a primal instinct that hearkens back to a time when physical preparation was necessary for a safer childbirth.

Nesting may begin months before your due date, but the instinct is usually strongest just before delivery. Do what you must, but don't wear yourself out. Save your energy for the harder work of labor ahead.

Rupture of membranes: Your water breaks
The amniotic sac is a fluid-filled membrane that cushions your baby in the uterus. Sometimes the sac leaks or breaks before labor begins. If this happens, you may notice a trickle of fluid or a more obvious gush.

If your water breaks at home — or if you're uncertain whether the fluid is amniotic fluid, urine or something else — consult your health care provider right away. He or she will evaluate you and your baby to determine the next steps.

If the amniotic sac is no longer intact, timing becomes important. The longer the membranes are ruptured, the greater the risk of developing an infection. If labor doesn't begin on its own, your health care provider may need to induce your labor.

In the meantime, don't do anything that could introduce bacteria into your vagina. Sex isn't a good idea if you think you might be leaking amniotic fluid.

Contractions: When labor pains begin
During the last few months of pregnancy, you may experience occasional, painless contractions — a sensation that your uterus is tightening and relaxing. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. They're your body's way of warming up for labor.

As your due date approaches, Braxton Hicks contractions may become stronger or even painful. Eventually, Braxton Hicks contractions will be replaced by the real thing. To tell the difference, ask yourself these questions:

Are the contractions regular? Time your contractions from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next. Look for a regular pattern of contractions that get stronger and closer together. Contractions that come at least every five minutes are likely to be the real thing. The contractions of false labor will remain irregular.
How long do they last? Measure the length of each contraction by timing when it begins and when it ends. True contractions last more than 30 seconds at first and get progressively longer — up to 75 seconds — and stronger. With false labor, contractions vary in length and intensity.
Can you stop the contractions? True contractions continue regardless of your activity level or position. In fact, they often grow stronger with increased activity, such as walking. With false labor, you may be able to stop the contractions by changing your activity or position, lying down or even taking a walk.
Where do you feel the contractions? The pain of true contractions tends to begin high in the abdomen, radiating throughout the abdomen and lower back. With false labor, the contractions are often concentrated in the lower abdomen.
Expect false alarms
The boundary between your body's preparation for labor and the actual process of labor isn't always clear. Some women have painful contractions for days with no cervical changes. Others feel only a little pressure or a backache as the cervix gradually dilates.

Don't hesitate to call your health care provider if you wonder whether you're in labor. Preterm labor can be especially sneaky. If you have any signs of labor before 36 weeks — especially if they're accompanied by vaginal spotting — see your health care provider for an exam.

At term, labor will nearly always make itself apparent. If you arrive at the hospital in false labor, don't feel embarrassed or frustrated. Think of it as a practice run. The real thing is sure to be on its way...good luck

Answer 2

I had the same thing, I simply thought it was just my body saying get this thing out of me. Which it was. The overall tightening is a contraction. Doesn't mean you are in serious labor though, this happens a lot later in the pregnancy. At 40 weeks if you really want that baby out... go on a long walk, I even tried running, knocked my baby down, unfortunately so it was lying on a nerve and I couldn't move my legs. Which I was then induced. But you must be awfully patient to be sticking it out past 40 weeks, that or just insanely healthy. My doctor cut me off at 38 weeks.

Answer 3

U R probably about to go into labor or in labor and your water hasn't broke but if u feel the pain in the triangle that is where the baby is so mostly like U R in early stages of labor wait for your water to break if pain doesn't stop go to the doctor U r in early labor

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I have the same pains and mine started about 6 weeks ago. I am 39 weeks and the doctor wants to induce me now because my little girl is so BIG! Sonograms are showing that she weighs over 8 lbs 2 weeks ago so prob 9 now and I am small framed. The baby is running out of room and the best advice I can give you is a heating pad on your back as much as possible and always sit with a pillow behind you your lower back to help with the pressure. I also wait until right before to bed and take a hot bath with candles everywhere no lights to relax to help me fall sleep faster. Trust me it helps. I have one nightly so I can jump in the bed and get straight to sleep.

Answer 6

The baby's just running out of room. My last month was dreadful and it didn't help that I worked right up til my due date. I had to walk alot to the bus and subway (wellm it was a lot for a giant prego, that is), and there are a lot of stairs in my house so I'm sure that didn't help. But, I ended up with a healthy 9 pound baby.

If you're nervous and really feel something is wrong, you should check w/your doctor. You know your own body better than any of us do.

Answer 7

That is a good question I am feeling the same way yet no labor. I am 36 weeks being induced on Monday

Answer 8

Your baby is on the way. Maybe you might be in early labor. When your uterus is gettin tight that contractions. Pack your bag and get the baby car seat ready. I have feelings like my baby is goin to fall out, and i'm only 34wks and 4days.

Answer 9

yes I am 37 weeks and sometimes pains are felt and idoesnt mean anything bad. the baby might be moving or stretching. Only bleeding and contractions followed with severe and painful cramps should be worried little pains are expected.

Answer 10

yes its quite normal the only thing is that i had really bad leg pain and and swollen feet now thats not normal but that just menas that youre getting prepared into going into labor