I’m curious to know. I’m 36 weeks pregnant and today it’s been hot. I’m having mild lower back pain and my lower abdomen has been cramping. Could they be contractions? Or just Braxton hicks. My hips also hurt like fire. Other than that I feel fine. My bo*bs hurt really bad as well. But I’ve also started pumping. Only twice a day for now. I don’t wanna call my doctor. I always feel like such a. Burden when I have to call them
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Your doctor works for YOU. Call them. If the cramps are coming consistently over an hour or two then I would call my doctor for the next steps.
You shouldn’t pump until after you’ve given birth, youre milk wont come in yet. Nipple stimulation can cause contractions. Call your Dr, you are not a burden.
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Nipple stimulation causes contractions. I was told not to pump until after I’ve given birth.
Definitely call your MD to ask.
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Don’t feel like a burden!! But yes nipple stimulation can cause them and early pumping. They probably are at 36 weeks. I’d call or just wonder then someday soon you’ll know for sure.
your OB works for you, you paid them, so call, And why are you pumping??? Pumping or stimulation can cause contractions
I can’t even think of anything to compare contractions to. When my son called me to ask that same question ( my DIL was pregnant) I could hear her in the background. I knew right then that she was in labor because I’ll never forget that pain. It’s atrocious! I could hear her screaming! I went all natural, no drugs with my first son. While pregnant with my second, I remembered the pain and I was going to get an epidural BUT because I went into labor at work (third shift, video game room attendant) I couldn’t just leave and I couldn’t get ahold of anyone so by the time I got to the hospital, they couldn’t do the epidural. They didn’t want to sedate the baby 
he was born 2 hours later!!! congratulations though 
call your doctor and see what they say. I do remember having Braxton hicks during both pregnancies. You’d rather be safe than sorry. Good luck mama. It’s actually my second sons birthday today and I have all these memories flooding back so I’m sorry about the book I just wrote 
Reminded me of really bad period cramps. But it’s always best to call your doctor and let them know of the symptoms. I also agree, you shouldn’t be pumping yet.
Everyone’s pregnancy and labour is different
When I had mine 30 odd yrs ago
It was like bad period pain
But definitely call your Dr or even go to your nearest hospital
They will be able to tell you if it’s just Branxton hics or labour
If you are in early labour
They may send you home until the labour progresses
I thought I was having Braxton hicks and that was it when I went to me 38 week appointment I was 4cms dilated and had her within 24 hours
At the beginning my contractions were bearable and felt like mild period cramps that came and went. Towards the end they got more intense. First kid I got the epidural when I was miserable. Felt immediate relief. But harder to push and recover after birth.
Second child I didn’t have time for an epidural by the time I got to the hospital. Worst pain ever broke my water and I screamed but the Contractions weren’t as bad after that. The nurses got me through breathing exercises. As miserable as I was I knew in an hour I’d meet my baby, so easier to deal.
Local shot meant pushing wasn’t painful—one push & she was out. Felt better after the non-medicated birth and healed a little easier. But as long as you have a good anesthesiologist the epidural for your first birth might be the way to go.