At 33 weeks pregnant, is it okay to have hard cramps with dull pain?

Question
Hello doctor,
I am 33 weeks 4 days pregnant, expected to be born on March 19, 2021 but I have a stiff abdomen, dull pain in the lower abdomen, back pain and headache. The doctor asked me if the 33-week fetus has stiff abdominal cramps with dull pain, is it okay? Hope to get medical advice soon. Thank you doctor.
Le Thi Thuy Kieu (2003)
Answer
Answered by Master, Specialist II Phung Thi Ly - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Obstetrics Department - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital
Hello,
With the question "33 weeks pregnant, is it okay to have hard cramps with dull pain?" , the doctor would like to answer as follows:
You will have to monitor how many seconds such hardening of the abdomen lasts and how long after this contraction hardens.
If you have symptoms of threatened preterm birth:
Physical symptoms: Abdominal pain is episodic, heaviness in the lower abdomen, back pain; pink vaginal discharge or mucus. Physical symptoms: Uterine contractions with frequency of 2 contractions/10 minutes, duration of contractions is less than 30 seconds; cervix closed or dilated less than 2cm Or signs of premature birth:
Functional symptoms: Abdominal pain intermittently, regular and increasing nature; vaginal discharge, mucus, blood, and amniotic fluid. Physical symptoms: Uterine contractions are thicker in nature from 2-3 times/10 minutes, and gradually increase over time; cervix dilated more than 2cm; Amniotic fluid formation and rupture of membranes. In such cases, you need to go to the hospital immediately so that the doctor can give timely treatment.
If you still have questions about abdominal cramps during pregnancy, you can go to the hospital of Vinmec Health System for further examination and advice. Thank you for trusting and sending questions to Vinmec. Wishing you lots of health.
Best regards!