38 weeks of pregnancy, stomach pain and urge to defecate

The 38th week of pregnancy is basically close to the due date. I have worked hard to hold on until now and sleep soundly, not wanting any abnormalities to occur. However, some pregnant women experience abdominal pain and urge to defecate at 38 weeks of gestation, and they are worried that this is an abnormal condition. In fact, abdominal pain and the urge to defecate at 38 weeks of pregnancy are most likely symptoms of premature birth. Since we cannot rule out this possibility, we must have a full understanding of the symptoms of premature birth.

Symptoms of premature labor

If premature birth occurs, there will be some obvious physiological symptoms, such as hardening of the lower abdomen and bleeding. Pregnant mothers should pay more attention to their own bodies to prevent premature birth.

The lower abdomen becomes hard. After the 8th month, if your lower abdomen repeatedly becomes soft and hard and your muscles also feel hard and swollen, first keep quiet and go to the hospital for a check-up as soon as possible.

Bleeding. A small amount of bleeding is one of the signs of labor, but sometimes it is bleeding from the reproductive organs, which may increase the risk of abnormal labor. The bleeding can be stopped locally with clean gauze, cotton wool, or toilet paper pads.

Water breaks. If something like warm water flows out, it means early rupture of membranes. Some pregnant women can still give birth safely a few weeks later even if their water breaks early, but in general, contractions will start immediately after the water breaks. At this time, you can raise your waist, do not move your abdomen, and go to the hospital immediately.

Uterine contractions are the earliest sign of premature birth. During pregnancy, the uterus is usually relaxed. In the second trimester, the uterus may contract 3 to 5 times a day. At this time, the pregnant woman will feel her stomach is hard, but there is no pain. Generally, thinner pregnant women feel it more obviously. This is physiological uterine contraction. However, if the contractions occur too frequently, reaching more than 3 to 4 times per hour, it is not physiological and you should go to the hospital as soon as possible.

The feeling of premature birth is similar to normal days, and it is difficult for pregnant women to judge premature uterine contractions, so they need the help of a doctor to confirm. If you have two or more of the following symptoms of premature labor, you should call your health care provider.

1. Abnormal uterine contractions, frequent and regular contractions (more than 5 times per hour, lasting for two hours or more).

2. Spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen.

3. Dull pain in the lower back.

4. Increased pressure in the lower abdomen and thighs (heaviness in the pelvis).

5. Intestinal movement is faster than usual and during diarrhea.

6. Increased or abnormal vaginal discharge (especially if the discharge is watery, mucous, or has a slight bloody color).