39 weeks and period pain every time go to loo

[ttcno2]

Okay, bit of info here, hope its not too long but really keen to know if anyone else has had this....I'm 39 weeks tomorrow.

For the last 3 weeks I have had period type pains which last for several minutes, mostly its uncomfortable, sometimes its quite bad. Often they happen at night, but not always. Usually have them 4-5 times a day, and every couple of hours overnight. For a while there i thought it must be early contractions but then realised obviously nothing was happening (as I said this has been happening for 3 weeks), and also noticed that the pains last too long for contractions (ie 2-5 minutes).

I have also noticed that I almost always have these pains after i go to the toilet - even if just to wee.

I guess im wondering what is going on - is this my cervix very very slowly opening, is it the baby pressing down on my cervix (and hence when I empty my bladder it sits further down???) or is it something else.

AM I GOING CRAZY????????????????????????????????????????????

[Alan]

Hi ttcno2
It could be Braton Hicks contractions. It's a little hard for me to be sure without more info

[Mysti]

I too, have this problem. Whenever i go to the toilet, i have period type pains afterwards (which do feel like braxton hick contractions,only more painful). I too, have wondered why this occurs after emptying my bladder etc.etc... So no your not going crazy! lol. Will make sure to ask my midwife at next appointment, apart from that, maybe someone here knows why!??!

[ttcno2]

thanks alan for your response to this post and also my last one, i appreciate you taking the time.

and THANKS also mysti for making me feel a bit more normal!!! I have spent 3 weeks thinking i was about to go into labour! now i just ignore them, and i have the feeling im going to be pregnant for ever!!

[becmc]

I have been getting those pains too, that last for quite a few minutes, normally combined with lower back pain. I had a few of them last night, and then when I went to bed had diorrhea too so thought that maybe that was the start of something but it wasn't!
I usually find my bhicks are worse when I have a really full bladder, and then ease off after I have been to the loo.

[Dragonbub]

Hey - I am alot earlier than you guys, but def get BHs more when I have a full bladder. I get AF type pain at night but I think that is just the uterus stretching to accomodate my awkward position in bed (despite being comfortable). Maybe it is just your uterus getting ready for labour?

[Ilithyia]

Hi there!

I too had this same problem while i was pregnant with Colby. I had it for the last month or so before i had her. It started off being only at night but the closer i got to the DD the pains were everytime i emptied my bladder. I questioned the Dr about this but was never given an answer.

As i had an irritable uterus this pregnancy, i put it down to this. Once i emptied my full bladder, the "pressure" was taken away from my uterus therefore letting the uterus stretch causing the pain. The is just a self diagnoses though.

I hope you find out what it is!!!