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Cramping At 38 Weeks Pregnant: Mild, Menstrual Cramping, At Night and Diarrhea

The normal duration of a pregnancy term is 40 weeks, calculated from the onset of the last menstrual period. However, more often than not, most pregnant women go into labor by the 38th week of pregnancy. At this stage of the pregnancy, there are a number of symptoms that a woman experiences that signal that the time for the arrival of her baby is at hand.

One of the most prominent signs of labor is cramping at 38 weeks pregnant. Mild cramping at 38 weeks pregnant could be indicative of the beginning of labor. Labor related cramps normally start at the top of the uterus and then travel downwards as the uterus prepares to push the baby out through the birth canal. These cramps increase in severity and nothing can be done to stop them. The duration between cramps decreases as the cervix dilates in preparation for the natural phenomenon of childbirth. Labor cramps may be similar to menstrual cramping at 38 weeks pregnant since they may be accompanied by bleeding as labor progresses. Cramping at 38 weeks pregnant and diarrhea are also commonly experienced by women in labor as the body empties the bowels in anticipation of the delivery process. Immense lower back pain may also be experienced at this stage as a result of the pressure exerted by the baby’s head on the back.

Cramping experienced at 38 weeks of pregnancy may not always be triggered by labor. Cramping on either side of the uterus, stretching down the pelvic region as well as towards the lower back may be caused by the strain exerted on the ligaments that hold the uterus in place. This form of cramping is usually mild, does not last for a long time and generally subsides on its own. Another form of cramping during late pregnancy is known as Braxton Hicks or false labor signs. These cramps do not occur at regular intervals and are not very severe. If cramping at 38 weeks pregnant - at night subsides on walking around, they are likely to be Braxton Hicks. In addition, it is not uncommon for women to imagine cramping at this stage in the pregnancy as they are anxiously anticipating labor and the arrival of their little bundle of joy. However, it is always recommended that an expectant woman inform her medical practitioner of any form of cramping, bleeding or change in vaginal discharge at this stage of the pregnancy so as to prevent complications.

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