Lower Back & Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy (33 Weeks): What to Expect

Question
i am 33 weeks pregnant and ive been havin lower back and lower abdominal pains like crampin for the last couple hours. should i be worried

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

Often Before "true" labor begins, you may have "false" labor pains, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These irregular uterine contractions are perfectly normal and may start to occur as early as the second trimester, although they are more common during the third trimester of pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions can be described as tightening in the abdomen that comes and goes. These contractions do not occur at regular intervals. They do not get closer together, do not increase with walking, do not increase in how long they last and do not feel stronger over time as they do when you are in true labor. They can be felt, like true labor contractions, in the abdomen or the back as you are describing.

If the contractions do not dissipate when you change your activity (if resting, try walking around or if on feet, try resting), then it sounds like it is true labor and not Braxton-Hicks. Here are some signs of true labor:
-Contractions come regularly, usually 4-6 minutes apart and can become closer together. Usually last 30-70 seconds.
-Contractions become stronger with time. You may also feel vaginal pressure.
-Contractions continue no matter what position changes you make or how much you drink.

Since you are less than 35 weeks pregnant, if you have regular contractions lasting more than 30 seconds and occurring more than 4-6 times an hour, try resting and drinking lots of fluids. If this doesn't help, you should call your doctor.

Once you are past 36-37 weeks, don't time contractions until they are very strong and regular. Plan to go to the hospital when they are so strong that you cannot hold a conversation during one, closer than 5-6 minutes apart, and continue in that pattern for over an hour. If you have given birth before, I'd recommend using your previous labor as a guideline. On average, 2nd babies come in half the time it took for the 1st.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda