Braxton Hicks

[ammanda]

I have read several information about Braxton Hicks and I cant tell if that's what I was experiencing last night.  My stomach just got all tight and it hurt but not too much, kinda like cramps.  But I was kinda nauseous too.  If someone could please fully explain the term to me, that would be very much appreciated  

Thanks,
Ammanda

[worrieddd612]

yeah i feel braxton hicks a lot or i was and i found that drinking water really does help...which of course makes you have to pee a lot so make sure to keep your bladder empty. a lot of times when i have a braxton hicks i have to go to the bathroom. so theres a huge connection there. the labor and delivery nurse told me more than 6 in an hour and you should call.

[30something13]

yep the water can help. I had a hard time knowing if mine were real or not as they felt the same but BH do not chnge your cervix nor get closer or intensify in time. They will change in feeling as you get further along as the uterus is larger as the baby. The signs of labor is spotting, fluid leaks, contractions getting closer together or with pressure downwards on your cerivx, contractions that get harder as time goes on. That being said I know alot of first time mothers go in around their due date only to hear it was BH. Around your due date they can last for a whole day even but just not do anything and are not as regular. WHen you are close to your due date is is a good idea to go to the hospital when this occurs. At the first stage of labor you will be able to be distracted during your contractions, when you hit the stage that you can not stop laboring is when you can't be distracted, they are close together lasting longer and you are anxious, throw up, have to change postitions and of course the father to be will know this is it! That is a good poin to go to the hospital. If you go sooner you have  a higher risk of getting things to speed you along unnessisarliy and you will be more comfortable when you can move around more and not hooked up to so many things.

[BradyAm]

totally normal. i started having BH contractions at 18 weeks! and im now 34. theres nothing to worry about unless your having more than 5 in an hour. your uterus is just getting your body ready for labor. drinking  lots of water, and emptying your bladder often can help!

[tarajanes]

Yep it sounds like braxton hicks,its just your body praticing for labour,totally normal.nothing to fret about,some say it dont hurt some say dont.at first it didnt for me then it did,but yes keep drinking plenty of water.

[ammanda]

Oh that makes since, i was drinking a gallon of water every three days, but I have been slacking lately, cause i havnt fully felt quenched.  but i will definitely get back on track with that.  Thank you so much!!!

[mami1323]

Totally normal....however, if they are becoming increasingly frequent it may mean that your body is dehydrated.  So I would recommend drinking more water.  Other than that you will get them throughout the rest of your pregnancy and more so the further along you are.  It's just the bodies way of naturally preparing itself for childbirth.

[ammanda]

So what do they mean?  should I worry or is it normal

[mami1323]

Yep, that's pretty much what they are.  They are a tightening in the belly.  They are uncomfortable but not that painful.  I used to get cold sweats when I had mine.