Back pain and menstrual like cramps at 36 weeks.

[sheilarae07]

Last night, when I laid down, my back started hurting like never before. After a few minutes of back pain, I started have cramps down low and my uterus would tighten. I tried turning over to the other side and sitting up, but they still happened about every 5-6 mins for an hour. After that, they went away and I was able to sleep. I was told, in my birthing class, to go to L&D if they happened for two hours. I haven't had anything unusual today. I will be having my first cervical check tomorrow, what's the chances that I have had these pains and there will be no dilation? I know it's way early, but I would love to hear that my body is at least preparing for birth.

 

[Spiffynoodles]

I would expect that you'd be dilated, at least a little. I was at 2cm at 36 weeks with my first baby, and actually had my son at 36+6 weeks (I was 2.5cm at the beginning of the week). With my son I would have contractions just like you've described that would last for several hours and then die off, for about a week before giving birth. However, when it was true labor, I knew, because the pain kept getting stronger and stronger. Good luck!

 

[sheilarae07]

I would be ok with a 1. I just want to know that my body knows what to do. If the pains last night had continued, I would have definitely went to be checked. It was pretty intense when it happened.

 

[newlywedtzh]

I felt like this too and was worried all last week. But this week I feel nothing really- still some strong BH but thats it :-/ I wasn't dilated at all at my appt. 3 days ago and I was bummed bc of all the contractions/cramps/pressure and radiating back cramps. I was told by some veteran moms that sometimes the whole 4 weeks before ur due date feels like this. I just hope I don't have false labor the whole time and keep going to the hospital to be sent home- that sounds so frustrating!

 

[Jinga]

When I had my son (at exactly 36 weeks after preterm labor was stopped at 33 weeks), I started with the menstrual like cramps in the middle of the night, but they never really stopped, just got more or less intense with no change after drinking water and lying down. The next morning, I still had mild cramping and lost my mucus plug. After I talked to my doctor I went to the hospital and was only 1.5cm dilated. Before they could finish checking me in my water broke and I was 7cm dilated within the hour. My son was born a few hours later. You just never know, but I wouldn't assume anything until the contractions/cramps become regular or don't go away.

 

[sheilarae07]

My doctor checked me today and I was only a fingertip dilated, but 60% effaced and in a -2 station. I was pleased with that. It would have been nice to have been 1 cm, but I feel that effacement is more important right now.
I had a growth scan too. He was estimated at 6 pounds 15 ounces now, with a head full of hair! He was measuring around 37+2.
I am hoping with him measuring big and me making a little progress, that he will come soon.