Early Labor? How do I know?

[mybubba]

Hi everyone, I'm 39 years old and 35 weeks pregnant. This is my 3rd child. The two others were C-sections so I never experienced the start of labor. My question is: I'm getting sharp lower abdominal pain with back pain is there a chance that I'm in the early stages of labor?

[SoCalTricia]

I agree with Pam. It CAN be a sign. But, more than likely, it's just normal aches and pains that we get during the last few weeks. In my experience, the contractions from labor are UNMISTAKEABLE! I remember thinking with both of previous pregnancies that I wouldn't know when I was in labor, but then when I really was I was absolutely SURE. But, just for peace of mind, call  your doctor. Caution is always the best way to go! Good luck!

Tricia

[PamelaBee]

You could be...have you called your Dr?  It's best to be seen, you may have started to dilate.  Lower back pain can be a sign of early labor, or it can be discomfort from the position of the baby, or how you slept, etc...either way, I would call your OB for assurance.  Good luck to you!