Braxton Hicks

[guinness413]

Anyone feeling anything like Braxton Hicks lately? I am only 24 weeks and never experienced this with my son but I get almost like period type cramps for like 30 seconds or so and every so often and worry it is early labor which is just too early?

[tahariel]

Braxton Hicks contractions can actually start as early as 6 weeks, although cannot be felt that early. First time moms do not tend to recognize or notice them until much later in the pregnancy, if at all, however moms with multiple pregnancies tend to notice them around mid-pregnancy.

More than 4 in one hour you should call your doctor. Drinking water, a bathroom visit and laying down on your side should help them go away if they are indeed just Braxton Hicks. Real contractions do not go away with the above mentioned.  (23w2d, #3)

[jnett]

It's true BH contractions usually start fairly early in the pregnancy, but most women don't notice them until the second or third trimester (if at all).  They are a normal part of pregnancy and prepare your uterus for labor.

WebMD is awesome.  The articles are evidenced-based, and reviewed by doctors, so you know your getting accurate information.  I write for a company called Healthwise and we provide content for WebMD (plug, plug!).

Jeannette
22 weeks (finding out the sex on ultrasound for sure today!)

[AshleysMom]

I'm glad you asked this.  I think I had one a few nights ago (I'm 23w3d).  My uterus got really tight.  Felt strange, but didn't hurt at all.  It was just one.  I don't recally having any with DD.

[saj39]

I asked my dr b/c I been having them since 22 wks and was told to call her if I had more than 4 in an hour. I have a history of preterm labor and I was worried. Water and laying on the left side helps.

[Tennesseegirl]

weew... I just read on wed md....my favorite site!  that they can start as early as your second trimester... I will still mention it to my ob though. If no one has been there... Really give it a try. dont know why I didnt go there first!
sorry... it had me going. It was bringing out the worrywart in me. after I thoght about it, I relized  20w is really early.

[Tennesseegirl]

geez... I really need to slow down and re-read what I write at times. My spelling is for the birds!!! careing, ugh.. ladie.... ummmmm ummmmm ummmmmm.

[Tennesseegirl]

wow... I just read that BH sholdnt start till aroound 28 weeks...
I think I have had 3 of them since 20w..Im 23 now.  I have a dr appt.. next week Ill make sure and let him know.
Iam careing so darn low too... I cant sit in a chair streight up and cross my leg like a ladie,without filling like Im crushing the baby.

[cpatow]

to me it sounds like the consensus is don't worry but ask your doc to be sure. :0)

[guinness413]

I don't think it needs to be worried about yet, does anyone? I read somewhere that Braxton Hicks can happen anytime in the 2nd trimester on, no?

[cpatow]

I went on a 2 mile walk yesterday and HOLY STOMACH ACHE. By the time I was done my stomach was so tight and I was so queezy. I laid down on the sofa, drank lots of water and today I seem to be fine, but I was wondering, too, if those were BH. Based on this I'm keepin an eye on these things

[housingmama14]

sounds like you might want to go on bed rest it is way to early for you to feel anything you to see your doctor asap
good luck.

[Tennesseegirl]

mine fills like a thight squeez... lol almost like someone is ringing out a towel.
glad you posted this.. Ill try water next water next time.

[shesherm]

I had Braxton Hick cntraactions and they WEREN'T regular and was actually in productive labor...if you get more than 4 an hour call your DR ...that is what they told me.  good luck

[guinness413]

thanks; definitely not overheated here in NJ

I get so worried that it is labor because with my son I did not go into labor, my water broke and they induced labor

How can you tell if it is definitely Braxton Hicks?

[tahariel]

I've had a few too already, this is my 3rd baby. Drinking water helps and laying down on your side should make them go away too. (23w1d)

[azqtpies]

Oh... I have been having these since early early on... doc says they are normal until they become consistant! I get the too all the  time... especially when I am up walking around! holy moly.. I think sometimes here we go =)

Dr. Say to keep the water flowing... when you get overheated, thirsty it will cause the uterus to cramp. So here's to our 8+ glasses of water a day.

I have been sooooo hot the past two months I keep a cold bottle of water with me everywhere I go =)

Good luck hang in there you are just behind me !

Kelly
26w6d