Signs of labor or Braxton Hicks??

Question

37+2 - been getting intense lower back pain for few days already & it last almost whole day. everytime my back pain it will move to abdominal area which leads to mild cramping(sometimes the belly pain feels like sharp shooting sensation) the pain is bearable at times but these back pain and abdominal cramps causes aching all the way down to my thighs & calfs. is this braxton hicks or contractions? are these signs that labor is nearing? shld i go to the hosp ? #firstpregnancyon top of all these , i get lightning crotch as well . and my stomach keeps tightening and soften

Joey · Answer

Sounds like actual contractions. Did you time the frequency?Im at Week 38 + 5, and Im getting both Braxton Hicks and actual contractions through the day. For me, the contractions feels like menses cramp with my tummy tightening up, and they dont go away when I lie down on my side. My gynae told me to head down when the contractions happen at 5 min intervals within an hour. But mine is like more than 25 min now, so Im still waiting at home. If youre really not sure, call up the hospital? Or just head down and get them to check for you?