Braxton Hicks

[Estee_Marie]

I'm 34w3d and I've never experience a BH contraction...  Is this normal?  Could this mean that I'll be past my due date?

[Estee_Marie]

Thanks!  I know they are pretty safe, but there's always the small possibility of me having back pains or spinal headaches.  I'm a Marine and I plan to retire, I really cannot afford to have back pains!  Hahaha.  I'm not saying I wont get it, period.  If the pain is too much then I might give in.  But if I can without, then why not!  Wish me luck!  Hahaha.

[Ashelen]

if you're really determined not to get an epidural you can totally do it it's mostly about mind-set...I personally will get one this time like I did last time, LOL, but you can definitely do it if you really want to :)

[Estee_Marie]

Thanks for all the comments!  People ask me all the time if I've been having them and when I say no they look at me like I'm wrong!  Haha.  Everybody I know has felt them and say they feel like cramps.  I wouldn't know as this is my first.  And MHW08, I'm glad to hear you say that!  I want to try to do it without the epidural and I really hope I can bare the pain!

[30something13]

Lots of woman do not ever know they have had them. You have to be real in tune with yoru body and almost have to have your hand on your belly to feel some of them. Then there are woman who feel them all and sa htey are even painful. Every woman is differnent. Braxton Hicks will not say you are going to be late or not. The baby will come when it is ready and your body is ready. That is really all there is to it!!

Actually woman start having braxton hicks as eary as 9-12 weeks. They usually go unnoticed till the third trimester as your belly is bigger and you can see it tighten. I would doubt that you hav enot had them. You could be having them during the night or when you are busy and just don't notice at all or chalk it up to the baby having it's back to your belly. Very common and I would say do not worry that you could go over. And if you do remember it is your due month not due day!

[Mhw08]

I didnt feel my BH either and yes i went over due 4 days, but labor was so fast and easy, no epidural

[marie1210]

I never had any BH Contractions when I was pregnant with my daughter.  I went a few days past 40 weeks with her but ended up having a c-section.  I don't think whether you have these or not, has anything to do with when you will go into labor.  I did drink a lot of water, then and now, so maybe that makes you less likely to experience them.  I really don't know.  However, you could be having BH and not even know it.  I don't even know what a contraction feels like.