When should I go to the hospital during pregnancy if experiencing intense period-like cramps at 39 weeks?

Question

How do I determine when it's necessary to seek medical attention during pregnancy if I have a high pain tolerance and am experiencing intense period-like cramps at 39 weeks? I want to ensure the safety of myself and my baby.

Answer 1

What I've heard is if you can talk through them they aren't that bad. Also time them from beginning of one cramp to beginning of the next if they are regular (every 4 min, every 5 min, etc) then you might be in labor, if you get them sporadically then they are probably Braxton hicks contractions that are preparing your body for labor.