Cramps? Or contractions?

Question

Hi ladies! I’m a FTM so I’m not sure if this is normal, and I don’t want to call my oncall yet so I wanted opinions first.
I’m having menstrual cramps, lower back pain and my belly is hardening about 30 seconds every 9 mins for the past hour or so... however, I had a cervical check today and my doc warned me that I would cramp after the exam. I am 1cm dilated- I haven’t cramped after a cervical check before, but this was the first time I was actually dilated).
I just can’t tell if this is the cramps he warned me about? Or actual contractions?
I plan on calling if it gets unbearable, but the oncall nurse will always tell me to go in to the hospital- however, once I get there, it’s never anything big and the nurses in the hospital are less than helpful since I have gone in so much. 
Does anyone know if what I am describing is just cramps or if they sound like contractions?

Answer

I wouldn’t call until the contractions are closer together and lasting a minute. The general rule is 5 minutes apart, lasting for minute and for an hour. I would drink some water and lay down. If they get closer together and won’t go away or get more painful then I would definitely call.

Answer

I’ve had period like cramps and bh before. But never consistently like that. The nurses at the hospital always told me that if they do get close together like that or I notice a pattern to go into the hospital. Better to be safe than sorry 🤷🏻‍♀️ the worst the can do is say it’s a false alarm.

Answer

I had this a few nights ago. I couldn’t sleep so I was wide awake in the middle of night and I started having contractions.. at first they were about 15-20 mins apart but became closer together down to 7 mins apart then after two hours they just stopped.. hard to know if ur are from the exam like the doc said or really.. keep timing and like you said if they become unbearable like you can’t talk through them then I would call or just go in.. I don’t even have to call.. my doc always tells me just to go in and get checked and no need to call ahead

Answer

Sound like Braxton Hicks which I’ve been having a lot lately (35wks) but my doctor told me if I get more than 4 an hour to go get checked out. But I understand my ER nurses haven’t been very helpful when I go in either but as long as baby is okay I don’t care. But all the symptoms you’re saying are exactly what I’ve been experiencing and my DR told me they sound like BH

Answer

Sounds like contractions but try and wait until they are closer together and stronger before you decide to call.

Answer

Basically what my doctor said is that cramps in your uterus during pregnancy are contractions. Practice ones at least. You'll know when they are productive or labor contractions because they are more of a pattern like waves and they are intense. BH cramps are milder and achey and sporadic

Answer

Honestly I’m so confused.. the pains are lasting a minute now BUT I’ll get 3 or 4 that are 6 mins apart... then 1 that’s 10-12... then repeat lol. I’m assuming it’s just BH since they aren’t completely consistent. I guess I’ll try to get some sleep and if I get woken up from pain, I know there is a problem and I’ll call!

Cramps? Or contractions?

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