Could this be the beginning of labor?

Please tell me I still have more time. I am 36w6d.

Yesterday I got this sharp tightness across my belly. I thought it was just BH since it only happened one time. This morning on my way to work I started feeling cramping across my belly with tightness. It happened once on my ride into the city. Once when I was walking up the subway stairs and twice since I have been in the office. It has been about 40 minutes since the last time. I read on baby center what this might be and it seems like early labor. I do not feel it in my back. I have not lost my mucus plug so I am thinking it isn't but what do I know? Is this baby coming early or will this go on for several more weeks?

ETS: forgot to mention that last night I had stabbing pains in my vadge and I now feel pressure down there.

Message edited 8/6/2012 10:24:27 AM.

Re: Could this be the beginning of labor?

those are contractions but not necessarily the beginning of labor. I have had those since about 34 weeks. I am in my 38th week now. but you might want to take it easy if you can. less walking, drink more water and put your legs up when you can.

Could this be the beginning of labor?

I think it's hard to say. I've had that for a while now. I noticed the tightness goes away after I drink water. The pressure down there is always there and gets severe at times. I have lost some of the plug a week or so ago, I'm 38w3d.

I'd say drink water, I've been told to make sure its over 80oz since it is so hot and humid. If it seems to help, maybe it isn't labor! But you never know! Good luck!

Re: Could this be the beginning of labor?

I'm 37 weeks and 2 days and I get BH and contractions throughout the day. BH are different from the contractions so I freak out and start timing them, but they're never regular. At this point the baby is head down so I feel A LOT of pressure and stabbing pain in the vadge area to the point where I have to stop walking and take a breath. Its all normal at this point. Until you lose your mucus plug its just normal end of pregnancy aches and pains.

Could this be the beginning of labor?

We are due on the same day and I've been getting the same thing. Last night I was getting tightening with cramping through my lower belly and back. I think it's ok but if they get stronger or develop a pattern then call the doctor. They say Braxton hicks can get somewhat uncomfortable at this point! Drink lots of water!!

Could this be the beginning of labor?

I think what had me concerned was the belly tightening. I read that it doesn't happen with BH. The ones I did have took my made me stop what I was doing. It hasn't happened since so I figure everything was just a tease lol. I was starting to freak since my bag isn't packed and our hospital tour is Thursday.

Re: Could this be the beginning of labor?

Re: Could this be the beginning of labor?

Sounds like its just the baby starting to drop - doesn't sound like labor, but ya never know.

Oh, and you will feel your belly tighten with BH contractions.

Message edited 8/6/2012 7:35:41 PM.

Could this be the beginning of labor?

It could be that you're feeling yourself starting to dilate.

For me, my labor started with 12 hours of the worst back pain I'd ever felt (to the point that I was taking tylenol for it, which I hadn't done the whole pregnancy). It wasn't until I started having crazy contractions 10 minutes apart that I realized the back pain was labor-related lol.