Can you dilate without contractions?

Question

I'm 40w exactly today. Every apt I've been to in the last month dr asks "how are the contractions" and ive had none, and then I'm not dilated at all and barely effaced. I haven't even had Braxton hicks. I get some period like cramps, but very very mild. More like pms or gas cramps, but only in my lower abdomen. My lower back always hurts because of my sciatic nerve.

Answer

My dr said the period like cramps are considered braxton hicks

Answer

Im almost 39 weeks and didn't think I'd had any either, then yesterday I had to go to L&D to make sure I didn't have preeclampsia and they monitored the baby and she told me I'd been having contractions, but I hadn't felt any of them! So apparently it's possible you're having them and don't know.

Answer

I think that's a big yes! I'm 3cm and 75% effaced and I haven't had anything more than a small period crampiness once in a blue moon. Currently 38+3.

Answer

I was told the mild period cramps are contractions. You're probably just like me and expecting this awful pain and feeling like there's nothing. Obviously they get stronger later on. When I was at my appointment my doctor has her hand on my stomach and asked if I could feel like. And I said feel what. She said I  was having contractions but they just felt like mild period cramping. Good luck!

Answer

Im pretty sure Braxton hicks are a sign of dilating and effacing. I've had none my past 3 appts and also had no progress at each appt. I had them a month ago and had progress at that weeks appt.

Can you dilate without contractions?

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