34 weeks + 3 days, is this labour?

Question

Hiya everyone, Im 34 weeks and 3 days, and since last night i've been having really bad cramps (like period pains) in my lower abdomin, they come and go and I hardly slept last night. Today they're coming every 30 - 45 mins. I've also been getting a sharp shooting pain up my vagina and slight back ache although nothing major. I haven't had a show or anything so Im just wondering if anyone else has experienced this, and if so what is it? This is my first baby and I hate bothering the midwives incase its something normal. Thanks for your help in advance x x x

Answer 1

Your body is gearing up no doubt but it is probably just false labour or braxton hick contractions. This late in the game BH can feel like period pains and aren't very nice. If you take some paracetamol or change positions and they go away it isn't real labour. Real labour hurts and nothing stops it. If you are concerned do ring the midwives because that is their job, what they get paid for, to look after ladies like you and help deliver your babies as safely as possible, no question is silly at this late stage and if they tell you to come in and get checked and it was a false alarm don't worry it happens all the time and even by second and third time mothers, every labour is different and because you haven't been there at all you definitely have no idea like all first time expectant mothers.
Good luck and repeat after me " My questions about pregnancy do not bother anyone in the pregnancy and labour business!", lol

Answer 2

You need to time the cramps, how long each lasts and the time in between. The times should be regular, as oppossed to irregular for them to be real contractions. If they've been coming every 30 mins a few contractions in a row, then it could be early labour. Also, your stomache will turn rock hard during a contraction. You don't need a show or for your waters to even break to be in labour. If the cramps are constant and don't go away, then see your doctor asap.

Answer 3

you really should go to your midwife when i was 33 weeks i was getting bad pains but i just thought they were practice contractions 2 days later at 34 weeks and 1 day my waters broke and i went into labour this was 7 at night i had the baby 10 the next morning, my little boy had to spend 2 weeks in special care because he couldnt feed properly he could breathe and everything on his own, his 5 weeks old now and doing fine, go to the midwife thats what they are there for good luck

Answer 4

The midwife you spoke to has no way of knowing that you ovulated early... For a single pregnancy, 34 weeks definitely is early to try and induce labor yourself. The baby isn't fully developed and considered "full term" until it reaches 37 weeks. Plus, you don't want your baby to suffer bc it's premature bc you had "too much pelvic pain and pressure". It is part of pregnancy; we all feel pain and discomfort the last trimester. But it'll pass soon. Hang in there. The bun is best left in the oven as long as possible!

Answer 5

These could be Braxton Hicks contractions, your bodys way of preparing you for the real thing.
How can I tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions?
In the days or weeks before labor, Braxton Hicks contractions may intermittently become rhythmic, relatively close together, and even painful, at times fooling you into thinking you're in labor. But unlike true labor, during this so-called "false labor" the contractions don't grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_braxton-hicks-contractions_156.bc?Ad=com.bc.common.AdInfo%406030e4b4
If you are worried, then get in touch with your midwife.

Answer 6

Please, bother the midwives! That is what they are there for. 34.5 weeks is pretty early, so there could be complications if it is labour. Also, there are some medications that can stop labour once it has started.

This is your baby, it doesn't hurt to get a bit worried when something unusual happens. Midwives are used to it!

Answer 7

As they have said, it's hard to tell what it is, all pregnancy's are different. Contractions normally more so 'normally start at the top' and go down, but it's enough abnormal signs your having to definitely call the doc or midwife. Your not a bother to them. Good luck

Answer 8

With my first baby i had similar pains to this. When i went to the midwife they said i was starting to dialate. I didn't go into labour for another 3 weeks though.

Answer 9

its sounds prettty normal. As you get closer to delivery you body starts to get itself ready. Your braxton hicks get more uncomfortable, you cervex starts to soften, and your ligamnets lostern up, all of which can be painful and disconcerting. Try to take it a little easier form here on out, and kep an eye on the contractions. Chances are they are nothing, but if they get closer together and very regular then you could be having some premature labor. You are very near to full term, so you could have a baby pretty soon!! Ae you ready yet??

Answer 10

please get yourself checked out hun, as you really dont want baby arriving just yet. Their lungs are not fuly ready til 37 weeks, and if for some reason your in labour, they can give you steroid drugs to help baby's lungs form quicker. I am 34 weeks today, so roughly 3 days behind you hun this is baby number 8 for me. so pleased dont worry about getting checked out, better to be safe than sorry xx