Braxton Hicks vs preterm labor and/or contractions???

[mommyin10]

Hi. I'm 25 weeks pregnant with twins & I'm currently on modified bedrest. I was in the hospital for observation last Wed because my cervical length had shortened & had a follow up Fri. All looked well & I go back to measure cervical length tomorrow, but I have a question. My stomach has been tightening so that it feels hard to the touch. I thought it was a baby putting pressure on me, but then thought it might be contractions?? I don't know the difference between Braxton Hicks, preterm labor and/or contractions. I would appreciate any input :) I'm not in pain. It's just uncomfortable. The babies are very active :)

[mommyin10]

Thanks :) I'm home! Yay :) They released me last night. I had a fetal fibronectin test that came back negative, which is good news. Technically, it means I shouldn't be going into labor in the next 2 weeks :) I guess the cervix has two openings, the inner & outer os. The inner is tightly closed, which is great news, but the outer was thinning a bit. They say I'm not the usual pregnancy since I'm having twins, I have a T-shaped uterus, a shortening cervix, but my tests come back negative. So, we'll take it day by day.  I'm home on strict bedrest so we can keep the babies in as long as possible ;) I'll be 26 weeks Thursday & at 28 weeks, the odds start getting much better for the babies if they do come early.    

[help4baby]

How r u doing dear!! We have been thinking of u and babies. I m praying for u to stay there for 1-2 days and come back home with good result and wishing babies to see after few months :) I told my dh and family about u and u guys have our prayers.
fingers and toes r crossed for u.

[mommyin10]

Thanks, ladies. I had already been on modified bedrest & had a follow up appt w/my high risk doc on Fri. They sent me back to the hospital where I still am now. It doesn't look like my contractions are worrisome, but my cervical length had shortened once again, which is why I was sent over to labor & delivery. It had gone from 3.8 cm 3 weeks ago, to 2.5 last week & then Friday it fluctuated between 2.5 & 1.5.  They injected me with steroids to help the babies' lungs & to avoid brain hemorrhaging in case they're born in the next few weeks... Scary! But I'm in good hands, so all's well! I'll have another fetal fibronectin test on Sunday & if it's negative & I haven't dilated, then I'll get to go home on strict bedrest for the remainder of my pregnancy. If it's positive, I'll stay in the hospital longer. So, fibgers crossed that the little ones are staying put longer :)

[pertykitty]

if you have pain (not discomfort), cramps, backache its most likely contractions.  braxton hicks are more uncomfortable but there shouldnt be pain.  sometimes drinking a large glass of water and laying on your left side can help, but calling your dr with what is going on is the best bet.  i have my babies early and im pg with #3, you'd think id be a pro but i too wonder which im feeling lol.  hope everything is ok and all goes well!

[help4baby]

mommyin10 : Hope u guys are doing fine now. I m praying here for u and babies.

I had the same feeling 2 weeks back at night after dinner ans we thought the same thing that stomach is stretching or babies are pressing up against my belly. last night also my stomach was so tight and after few hours I m feeling fine. We didn't even think about this all. What should I do??

[mommyin10]

Thanks, ladies :) I really appreciate your input. I have my appt with the high risk doc today, so I'll see how my cervix is doing & the babies & I'll ask about the tightening too. It's funny because last night isn't the first time I felt it & I
just assumed it was a baby or two pressing up against my belly. When I went to the hospital last week & my appts since then, they'd ask if I felt contractions, but I always said no. Really, I just don't know what they feel like! :) Thanks again!

[adgal]

Ok, I just reread this post and my response probably scared the heck out of you.  Braxton Hicks are contractions.  Same thing except one is your body "practicing" and real contractions happen when the baby is on it's way.  I made it sound like I thought you were in labor!!  Sorry hon!  But bny is right, get it checked although changes are it's just BH.  Good luck.

[bny807]

hello! congrats on the twins!!! sooo exciting! I would defintely call and let your dr know, especially with your history of cervical shortening and everything.. I thought i was having braxton hicks starting around 32 weeks or so, but when i went in to the dr ( i was having nonstress tests weekly) they said they were the real deal contractions! they were totally painless - just tight feeling, they said braxton hicks are only in one "section" of your belly, whereas the contractions are esentially the whole uterus.. I could never really tell the difference between the two - everytime i thought it was BH the nonstress monitor said contractions... not sure that helps or not! but good luck and keep us updated~ : )

[adgal]

Those sound like contractions to me.  Braxton Hicks differ from real contractions (as I am told by my Dr., other women here and in my birthing class tonight) in that they aren't consistant.  So, if you start feeling them again, time them.  They should not be regular. Also, when I get Braxton Hicks I find that if I walk around or take a warm bath they go away.  If they are real contractions they won't stop.  But honestly, if even remotely in doubt head to labour and delivery.  You just don't want to take any chances.  I have gone in to L&D more then once now, and trust me, they have no problem with it at all.  All best to be safe.