Is This Pre Labor Pains?

Updated on September 04, 2011
C.A. asks from Florida, NY
7 answers

I woke up this morning with some pain in the vaginal area. It is not consistant and it hits hard and fast. I also have pain across the abdomin everytime I cough. I have a cold right now. I told the Dr about it last Thursday at my appointment and he told me that it is because I am straining muscles that are already strained. It started out on one side and now it is across my whole stomach. Man does it hurt when I cough or sneeze. I guess what I am trying to ask is the vaginal pain pre labor? I never had this with my first cause I never dilated. Could this be the start of dilation? I tried to look it up on the internet and all I could find was to drink more fluids. I would appreciate any advice that you can give me. Starting to get a little nerveous.

UPDATE: Sorry didn't tell you how far along I am. I am 35 weeks today.

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

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1 mom found this helpful

T.C.

answers from Dallas on

When I've had prelabor or labor, I don't have the vaginal pain you are describing. It sounds like strain and pressure causing the pain in the vaginal area. Even when I dilate, it doesn't hurt...though somewhere along the way it starts hurting as baby starts making his/her way down!

Labor, or prelabor, is when your belly tightens. It'll feel hard all over. But when you dilate, you can't feel it.

I can't tell exactly from your description, but if your belly is getting really hard/tight (contracting) when you cough, odds are it's more like a braxton hicks than actual labor. If they start hurting (and the hurting needs to be pain with the contraction itself - not pain from the pressure of being squished from teh contraction), then I'd be sure to let the doctor know because that could be more real.

I do have a friend that just recently had the pukes for 24 hours and ended up delivery at 35 weeks from it. I'd also consider getting some type of meds to help with the coughing. Maybe Vicks Vapor rub or something? Try to get the coughing to stop to see if it'll stop putting strain on you.

So, to summarize my comment that seems scatterbrained to me...to answer your question, if you are solely feeling vaginal pain - no, this is not prelabor. When you dilate, you don't feel it. It doesn't mean you aren't dilating, but it sounds more like it's pressure and strain that is causing the pain. If you are feeling belly pains, then that is where you should feel really aware of what is going on there.

But regardless of what we say, if you start feeling really nervous and stressed about it, be sure to go get checked out!

Oh, and I'm 35 weeks today too! I'm due Oct 8th:-)

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S.B.

answers from Redding on

Well, all I can say is that when we are pregnant, any pain could be considered a pre labor pain.
We go through about 40 weeks of it.
Relax. Drink more fluids. Get plenty of rest.
With both of my kids, I began dilating fairly early, but they were both born full term and very healthy.
I wouldn't be overly concerned.
Rest and get well. You'll need your strength for the big day.
I hope you feel better soon.

1 mom found this helpful

J.H.

answers from San Antonio on

How far along are you mama? Chances are when you cough, (combined with the pressure of the baby) you're putting a strain on your pelvic floor, and that's what is causing the pain in your vaginal area.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I've been having that kind of pain for months, it get worse with the second and third. It doesn't sound like labor but pulled muscles and ligament pain. Also, when baby drops you start to feel more uncomfortable down there. The labor pain would be like intense period cramps or back pain.

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L.A.

answers from Dallas on

Pre-Labor can last a really, really long time. With both my kids I had contractions for a few weeks before delivery (NOT braxton-hicks).

Drinking water can help you prevent early contractions, but I had achy feelings too. My understanding is the feeling stems from your bits trying to, basically, get out of the way as the baby heads down. I wouldn't worry unless you start having contractions regularly.

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M.T.

answers from New York on

Pre-labor isn't pain, it's mild contractions that feel like a tightening. Nothing to do with your vagina. If this is a new type of pain, or if you suspect that you are in preterm labor, you really should contact your doctor.

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