cramping at 38 weeks - how to interpret?

[Anonymous]

For the first time in my pg, I've started to cramp (I'm 38 weeks). I keep wondering if this is a precursor to contractions or labor - not sure what to make of it. This is my first pg, so I have nothing to compare it with. What have other people experienced? Is it just par for the course that when you get this big you have cramps, or does it signal something more significant like the onset of labor or at least of contractions?

[Anonymous]

Could be the beginning of labor. Could not be (try drinking a lot of water). Labor always starts with some mild cramping. You know you are in labor though when the cramping / contractions start getting closer together and more intense. If they stay about the same, you are probably not yet in labor, but I would call your doctor if the cramps haven't subsided (1) after 45 minutes and (2) after drinking a bunch of water.

Or you could call your OB now and see what they say.

[Anonymous]

Could definitely be labor, I'd do what PP suggested and start timing and drinking a lot of water and see what happens. I would also call the doctor and let them know how you are feeling in case they want to see you today.

[Anonymous]

I'm just about 38w with #2 and have had a lot of cramping and almost non-stop BH contractions. I basically didn't sleep one night last week convinced that I was going into labor.... only to find out at my weekly appointment that my status (1cm dilated) had not changed an iota from the week before. It was a reminder to me that - as lots of people here say - you will know when you're having real contractions / labor - it's unmistakable. Until you've got contractions that are escalating in intensity and coming at regular intervals, you're probably not in labor ... yet... Cramps can be a sign of dehydration, overexertion, stomach discomfort (and/or labor!) It never hurts to check in with the doctor, of course, but having had my own hopes up I figured I'd pass this perspective along.