Remind me about BH cx

[mizznicole]

I am 33 weeks along with #2. It feels like I'm getting sone pretty strong, low cx at various times. I just can't recall what kind of action this is and when to be concerned. Thx!

[MaerynPearl]

concern should be warranted if there is bleeding (even just a little as it could possibly be bloody show, should call your care provider right away to find out what to do about it), leaking fluid, the contractions seem to be coming regularly, close together (generally I have been told more than 3 per hour if you are pre-term) or getting stronger/closer or if there is ever any reason you suspect it might be more than braxton hicks.

Almost any care provider will agree it is better to be safe than sorry and they would rather you call over braxton hicks than to ignore preterm labor!


FWIW thats around when my bh started up with #2. #3 was about 26 weeks.

[HeatherB]

BH and non-labor ctxs will also react to changes in your activity. Try changing position (sitting/standing/laying down), take a warm bath, put your feet up, drink LOTS of water, and see if that affects them. If it doesn't and/or you have any symptoms that MP discussed above, I'd call your care provider.

FWIW, I tend to think of BH as being the painless, all-over tightening/hard belly ctxs. The "real" or pre-labor ctxs are, in my experience, the crampy ones that build and taper off like labor ctxs, but are very mild and don't build in intensity or frequency. I first had some in this pregnancy at 23 weeks that responded to rest and lots of water (I believe I was rather dehydrated that day), and have had them here and there since then, mostly as a result of a very active day and/or too little water. Hydration is definitely important!