In most cases, when your this far along, usually cramping is a sign of you dilating, it doesn't do it fast but it helps out slowly. your 'actual" contractions is what will help you dilate fast, but the period cramps you are feeling will help it begin. and are you getting a really big pressure pain down there? thats what usually means the baby is dropping down more. I know how you feel, i was so devastated trying to figure out how I was gonna deal with Labor, I am not goo with pain. lol.. Are you planning on getting the epidural? I didn't get that, I got a different thing, that only lasted one hour. I had ONE hour of pain free. and it helped me calm down a lot, in time to get ready to push. and with he epidural its a lot harder to push, I don't if you have talked to anyone, but when you are numb and cant feel your contractions its a lot harder to push. you want to feel the contractions so you can push easier. it hurts like hell, but its the best thing to do.. so if you get a chance, Im not sure what its called, but talk to your doctor about the shot in your back that only last an hour. best of luck to you.
I believe its called an introthical i know i spelt thst wrong but its pronounced intro-th-ee-cal i had the epidural and loved it but am trying a less numbing type of a relief not because it made pushing difficult for me( my youngest had complications and i had to start pushing at a 7 or get a c section) i pushed her out in 19 minutes but i was determined to not get a c section! Anyways ammanda already said what i was going to say bout the cramping. Your adrenilline is going hard when in true labor and it makes your pain tolerence a little higher.
Thanks for your advice, both of you:) ya today when I woke up my right leg is also numb. I'm just hoping that all of this means he's coming out soon!! Lol. But ya I plan on having an epidural. My doctor is telling me that there's a good chance that I'll have to have a c section because my pelvis is narrow and he might not fit through.
Aww. im so sorry to hear that. i hope it turns in favor for u not having a c section!