braxton hicks

[lightinmyhands]

I'm 28 weeks pregnant with my third child and have been having bh for quite some time now.  They have really started to increase in frequency and are a bit more intense over these past few weeks.  I didn't have much for bh with my first two pregnancies and am wondering if I am experiencing so many now because this is my third pregnancy or if I should be concerned?  

[ElizabethE]

Hmm. I didn't really have BH myself. I had some cramping but was never sure if it were BH, because it was subtle. If it were me I might be a slight bit worried, but not too freaked out. Is it painful? I know you said intense... but is it easy to deal with? Any spotting?

[turnquia]

all

 

Originally Posted by lightinmyhands 

I'm 28 weeks pregnant with my third child and have been having bh for quite some time now.  They have really started to increase in frequency and are a bit more intense over these past few weeks.  I didn't have much for bh with my first two pregnancies and am wondering if I am experiencing so many now because this is my third pregnancy or if I should be concerned?  

From someone who's had preterm labor with all of my kids.  

1)  If you lay down and rest and drink water do they go away?  

2)  Are you having more than 6 an hour?

3)  Any changes in discharge?  Amount, color, odor?  itching?

4)  Any changes in urine?  Odor?  Burning?

Most midwives or doctors will advise you to get checked out if you lay down and drink a glass of water the contractions continue at the rate of 6 or more an hour.  Or if you have any changes in urine or vaginal discharge.   A lot of times a yeast infection or UTI can be "silent" and not have any classic symptoms other than increased in contractions. 

Its possible you are just having more because it is your 3rd baby but at 28 weeks if it were me I'd want to make sure there isn't any cervical changes or anything causing the contractions. 

good luck
 

[lightinmyhands]

no real pain, just intense contractiness and getting off my feet and getting some water does seem to alleviate it a bit... I just had DH check my cervix tonight and he says it's softer than it should be.  No dilation, just softer.  should i possibly see a midwife? get off my feet?

[labortrials]

If I didn't want to see a midwife or doc, I'd probably do what's been working - rest and fluids.  Seriously, dehydration can be a biggie!!  You could also test your urine for leukocytes which may (or may not) indicate infection like UTI.  Sometimes my baby's position (or change in position) causes contrax.

Hugs!

[lightinmyhands]

i've been staying off my feet when possible and seriously hydrating and this strategy seems to be helping......

[marygpt]

I would blame it on being your third. BH can start this early for BTDT moms . I've been having BH for months (I'm 28 wks also and its my third) I make an extra effort to take it easy and drink more water when they start up

[faerymagick34]

Hi,

I get Braxton Hicks at the drop of the hat, in fact I had no idea what they were, when I was pregnant with my first until they did a stress tes and contractions test on me. they counted 20 BH contractions within an hour. they asked if I was in pain, no, if I noticed, I said no. They told me to relax and stay off my feet. I did just that but they still continued. 

My second pregnancy same thing I started getting them in second trimester, I did go into preterm labor at 5 months, and was on bed rest for 12 weeks. Third pregnancy I got them in the second trimester, preterm labor, with no bed rest, just rested when I was contracting.

All pregnancies, two were on my due date, and my second was born two weeks late. I am now starting the Braxton hicks again, at 9 weeks and 5days along. I did ask my doctor after my third child why I contract, he said some omen just contract all the time and i am one of them. 

So in my experience with braxton hicks they don't really cause problems, from what i have experienced it is the painful contractions i would be weary of. if you are really concerned I would get it checked out and see the doctor says. I wish you much luck!