Stabbing pains in the pelvic area, with sciatica-like pain in butt and leg... are these contractions?

I am almost 39 weeks pregnant... I have read everything there is about contractions... about the tightening of the stomach, cramp-like pains, etc... and I don't have any of that.

What I do have is a stabbing feeling in my lower abdomen, in the pelvic region (usually when I stand or walk) and at the same time a horrible pain in my left butt cheek and pain in my left leg (like sciatica, but worse). Could this be a contraction?? When this happens, it only lasts a few seconds. I always think it's the baby moving and making pressure and that's why it hurts, but I don't know... he's already head down, and I've been thinking it's his head pushing down and hurting me.

Has this happened to you?

its probably just the baby continuing to engage into the pelvis.. if it were contractions you would be having pain in your abdomen and lower back and you would barely be able to move... i constantly feel a stabbing like feeling in my pelvic area and the doctor said that is the baby trying to push down even though he is in head down position he is also on his right side instead of his back to my stomach facing down which is the reason i keep having all kinds of pains... once contractions hit you'll definitely know it... hang in there.... good luck to you... and congratulations

i had to same feeling when i was prego with my 6 week old baby girl.. and i talked to the doc.. and he said its the baby movien down the canal.. and since ur almost 39 weeks the baby might be coming any day now.. congrats..