please reply!

[jdoug]

I'm 39 weeks 3 days. I'm having these pains in my pelvic region and they feel like tightening? Almost like my vagina is opening and closing.. haha is this some type of contraction? My side and back have been hurting also?

[2ndXmommy]

Time them. You are far enough along to be going into labor. If they are 5 mins apart or less from the end of one to the beginning of another consistently for at least an hour, it's time to call your health care provider and go on to your chosen birthing place. Your contractions may change in feeling as you switch from the first stages of labor to the later stages. Also, anything causing you pain or extreme discomfort is worth a call to your provider to talk about, if only to settle your nerves & reassure you that all is well. Make sure you give a good description of all symptoms in great detail, and try writing it down before calling so as not to forget any if you start having pains while  talking to your provider.

[Flickan]

Try drinking a glass of cold water and lay on your left side. If that makes them go away, it's probably Braxton hicks. Otherwise, go ahead and time them and see how far apart they are.

[pao135]

In 33 weeks with my first child. Idk what a contraction is, but i did ask my doctor what they are like so i will recognize the symptoms when the time comes. That sounds like it to me
Good luck. Time it and see how apart they are.