Menstrual-like cramping - experienced mamas help :(

[EmmaGM]

So I'm 36 weeks pregnant. Starting about a week ago I'd get a cramp here and there that felt like menstrual cramps along with my normal abdominal tightening. But now since yesterday the pain has been constant. I have no bleeding, abnormal discharge, baby's beating up my ribcage as normal... but it seems strange to me to have constant pain... is this normal?

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[hbee]

Call your doctor. I had menstrual cramping that was actually contractions. If you are unsure, call, it's their job to answer questions.

[cristy_1996]

Sounds like early signs of labor to me mama. I would (this is what my doctor says to do) take 2 tylenol, drink 2 glasses of water and take a warm bath. If the pains do not let up and are coming regularly put a call into your doctor. You could be in labor although the early stages can last a while. I would not rush to the hospital though. If you want to be seen, try to get your doc to see you in office just in case.

I would have your bags packed and ready though JIC.

I went early with both of my boys so it could totally be labor. Don't rule that out just because you are 36 weeks. DS2 came at 35w5d! TOTALLY unexpected!

[dogmom327]

Sounds like early labor It is possible though for this stage to go on for a few hours or a few weeks. I'd call your MW or OB and let them know.

[Nerissa]

From past experience I would at least call if not go in and get checked out.

I had what you are describing for a day and basically didn't worry about it since the nurse said it was probably early labor and everyone said that if they were not interupting my work day they were just early labor. I worked my normal 8hr day and then went to an already scheduled dr. appointment. My water broke in the hallway on the way and DS2 was born 10 min later. I had 2 "OMG these are real" contracttions before my water broke.

[B+EBabyDipes]

Originally Posted by EmmaGM So I'm 36 weeks pregnant. Starting about a week ago I'd get a cramp here and there that felt like menstrual cramps along with my normal abdominal tightening. But now since yesterday the pain has been constant. I have no bleeding, abnormal discharge, baby's beating up my ribcage as normal... but it seems strange to me to have constant pain... is this normal? Sent from my Galaxy Skyrocket using DS Forum

I just had my second and that was exactly what I felt before having her, she came 5 hours later! I'd call or go in...

[songbird516]

I started feeling like that after having a stomach flu at 37 weeks. I was pretty sure that I wasn't ready and baby wasn't ready, so on my midwife's suggestions I drank some water (she also suggested benedryl) and on my own suggestion, based on what Ina May used to advise her women on the farm, I drank a 1/2 a shot of rum, twice, about an hour apart. The contractions stopped and I carried 4 more weeks.

[songbird516]

I started feeling like that after having a stomach flu at 37 weeks. I was pretty sure that I wasn't ready and baby wasn't ready, so on my midwife's suggestions I drank some water (she also suggested benedryl) and on my own suggestion, based on what Ina May used to advise her women on the farm, I drank a 1/2 a shot of rum, twice, about an hour apart. The contractions stopped and I carried 4 more weeks.

[Fashionably Green Baby]

Yeah could be early labor but not necessarily. Personally I would go get checked out.

[Pyrodjm]

All of my contractions felt like menstrual cramps until my water broke.