contractions? « Back to Group Discussions

[mrsavery]

I think we had a thread going about Braxton Hicks contractions, but I haven't seen it up for awhile and was too lazy to go find it, LOL. I have been experiencing what I think may be B.H. for a few days- I am 17 weeks today, and all of the "baby book" info I've found doesn't really mention early contractions before 20 weeks, at the earliest. They are mostly painless, but my uterus balls up and is really firm, sometimes for a few minutes. I really don't want to call the Dr. when I am pretty sure this is what is going on, but with this being my third pregnancy after two m/c's that didn't go this far...I have no experience yet plenty of room for doubt and concern. Any one else feel pretty confident they have experienced early Braxton Hicks' ? 

[1babysmom]

Yes that definitely sounds like BH!  I have been feeling them since about 7/8 weeks! (this is my 2nd pregnancy where they have started so early...other times they started in my early 2nd tri) They aren't necessarily a cause for concern unless you have other issues in combination (if they are causing you to dilate, for example)...the uterus contracts from the beginning of pregnancy, most women just don't start feeling it until later (hence the "normal" time to begin experiencing them). 

[Ethelpea]

Those are b/h.

[firespiritmelody]

Yep, sounds totally normal to me too!

[expat-mama]

I have started getting terrible contractions at the worst time- right before and during orgasms. It's awful and starting to really affect our sex life. I'm kind of depressed about it because for me pregnancy sex is some of my best sex- something about the increased blood flow in the area. Anyone else have this? Obviously DH is depressed about it too! I end up having to do breathing techniques through them...kind of ruins the moment, ykwim?

[at_the_hip]

I wonder if you load up on water an hour or so before if it might be better.  I'd be bummed for the same reasons, so I understand!!  One of my pgs I was so super sensitive it was actually painful and that was really frustrating for me too!! 

[stormysky]

I suddenly started getting them this week (16 weeks). I have a history of these and they tend to freak me out, especially at night. Yesterday I drank a cup of coffee (for a headache - it helped) and I was contracting all day. I also find it is worse when I am constipated or have a full bladder.

[spruce]

Ditto what 1babysmom said. I have also been haing them since very early on, very noticeably.

I hope your mind is at least a little more at ease knowing so many of us also are experiencing the same thing.

[brooklyn_warbler]

I also start getting these pretty early.  They are definitely worse if I haven't drank enough water!