Lots of BH--normal?

[JTA Mom]

This pregnancy, I am having tons of BH. Beginning quite early, like around week 15/16.

But it seems they have increased in strength. Lately, instead of 'crampy' it literally feels like baby contractions. Pain nowhere near full on labor pain, but I can't really walk through one, I have to breathe through them, etc. They will come regularly for 10-15 min, then disappear, only to return a few hours later.

I've told my OB about this, and she checked me--no dilation, no changes to cervix. She is making sure I keep an eye out for preterm labor, but, with the amount and strength of BH I have, it makes it hard to determine what is really happening, kwim?

I even went to L&D a week or so ago when I was having BH every 30 seconds to 1 min apart for an hour. They literally felt right on top of one another. No cervix changes though.

I am beginning to wonder if this is normal? Is there anything I can do about them? With the SPD and now lower back ache I have, it's making me miserable. I also don't want to stay lying down on the couch either most of the day, trying to get them to go away.

And yes, I am drinking enough. Actually, having a really full bladder seems to set them off too.

Argh, help! I've never experienced this before.

Ami

[Earthy Mama]

I was told that emptying my bladder helps. Are you having sex? Semen can trigger them, too.



I had some bad ones the other day (I'm only 23 weeks) and basically drank a TON of water to get them to stop. I mean, drink at least a gallon a day.

[gradstudentmommy]

I've had tons of those in both pregnancies. This pregnancy they started much earlier. My midwives said they often start earlier in each subsequent pregnancy and as long as they stop once I change positions, drink water, etc. she wasn't concerned about pre term labor.

[Family4Christ]

I had them with my dd really bad and they started really early. They never did any cervix change, but they really hurt and were very frequent.

Have you tried red raspberry tea to see if it will relax things? I know it's a tonic, but it can work the other way with an irritable uterus. There are other herbs that are relaxants and safe in pregnancy.

[HeatherB]

I've been having them more recently that felt like early labor to me. I knew I was probably somewhat dehydrated, so tried to rest and drink up, and they have not continued to be as intense. Are you tracking how much water you're getting in a day? It's really easy to underestimate - or just not realize how much might be needed, especially in the heat of summer - so I think that really is a good thing to focus on. Also, getting rest is good if they keep coming.

With no cervical changes you're in pretty good shape, but doing what you can to get them to decrease in intensity will definitely save your sanity!

Are you drinking or consuming anything with red raspberry leaf or other uterine tonics it?

Mine definitely come on more when my bladder is full, which is so uncomfortable! Still, hydrating a ton can really help. If you're sweating a lot, consider your salt intake and whether or not your electrolytes might be off balance. My MW says that water is basically always the best thing unless you're sweating a ton, though.

[JTA Mom]

Originally Posted by Earthy Mama

I was told that emptying my bladder helps. Are you having sex? Semen can trigger them, too.



I had some bad ones the other day (I'm only 23 weeks) and basically drank a TON of water to get them to stop. I mean, drink at least a gallon a day.

Yea, that's the catch 22 I'm experiencing too--drink lots to calm them, but the full bladder sets them off. Ack!

Barely any dtd here. I think we went 2 weeks without. Doesn't seem to affect them or the intensity I feel.

Originally Posted by Family4Christ

I had them with my dd really bad and they started really early. They never did any cervix change, but they really hurt and were very frequent.

Have you tried red raspberry tea to see if it will relax things? I know it's a tonic, but it can work the other way with an irritable uterus. There are other herbs that are relaxants and safe in pregnancy.

Can it really do that? If so, I need some asap. I am afraid though that it will really 'tone' my uterus though.

Originally Posted by HeatherB

I've been having them more recently that felt like early labor to me. I knew I was probably somewhat dehydrated, so tried to rest and drink up, and they have not continued to be as intense. Are you tracking how much water you're getting in a day? It's really easy to underestimate - or just not realize how much might be needed, especially in the heat of summer - so I think that really is a good thing to focus on. Also, getting rest is good if they keep coming.

With no cervical changes you're in pretty good shape, but doing what you can to get them to decrease in intensity will definitely save your sanity!

Are you drinking or consuming anything with red raspberry leaf or other uterine tonics it?

Mine definitely come on more when my bladder is full, which is so uncomfortable! Still, hydrating a ton can really help. If you're sweating a lot, consider your salt intake and whether or not your electrolytes might be off balance. My MW says that water is basically always the best thing unless you're sweating a ton, though.

No, no uterine tonics. I've even tried some mint tea in hopes it will relax them a bit, since it's a smooth muscle relaxer--no dice. Dh used to be a slurpee addict, so I use his old 22 oz cups. I drink at least 4 of those a day, and that's also not counting in the cup or two of almond milk I'll have, cereal with milk, melons, etc. I'm definitely not dehydrated.

Hmmm, the electrolytes might be a missing link. Wouldn't hurt to try some of those drinks to see if it helps.

The no changes is good, but the discomfort of them is getting to me. I feel like I'm parked on the couch all day long, and I'm only 32 weeks! I am considering the half glass of wine, but since I seem to get them every day, I don't feel comfy drinking that much alcohol that regularly, kwim?

Ami

[Yuba_River]

I have tons also. I had a little spotting today, so I had an extra visit with my midwife, and asked her about the BH while I was at it. She said it can be normal for some people, but recommended drinking Red Rasberry Leaf tea--as mentioned above, she said that it acts to relax the over-active uterus and tone the weak uterus--so it really is more about balancing than anything else. Even better, she said, was to drink an infusion that included Nettles and RRL--lots of minerals. I've been doing that, but am planning to drink it every day for a while and see if it helps. She did also say that in some people the RRL has the opposite effect, so do pay attention and stop if it seems to be increasing the BH. Hope this helps!