Anyone having Braxton Hicks already?

[gratefulbambina]

I think I may of had them a little today. Ive had light pulling feeling in my abdomens? I believe this is what they felt like last time too

[Awaken]

I don't know if they are official B-H, but my uterus does contract failry often- this didn't happen till 5-6 months last time- strange to have it happening so soon!

[PicnicBear]

I had that once about a month ago, then once today. Each time it lasted for about 1 minute, maybe less. I guess that's what they are?

[flapjack]

Yep. I'm getting a fair number- sometimes regularly for a couple of hours- but not strong at all.

[*Amy*]

What do they feel like? This is my first, so I'm not sure whether I am or not.

[SoggyGranolaMomma]

I have an "irritable" uterus I have had some pretty strong BH ctx already. Depending on whether or not I have to pee, drink something, whether I've had sex, whether I get up wrong OY! I contract all the time.

It never does me any good though... : I have the world's slowest dilating cervix ever!!

[mamaharsh]

Yep, I have them every time I let my bladder get too full. I'm definitely having them earlier this time around.

[cjbeach]

This is #3 and just started this week with some B-H. Whoosh. Also have some pubic bone seperation already...ouch.

[DreamsInDigital]

I've been having them since 12 weeks.

[zjande]

I'm with soggygranolamomma. I have insane BH with every pregnancy starting at 10 weeks. My MW is watching my cervix closely & I'm doing my best, again, to avoid preterm labor. They HURT!! I get them all the time. They pretty much suck the big one.

[zjandosmom]

I'm from the Jan board, but I have BH that I can feel from week 6 on. Being dehydrated can also cause them. You are actually having them from the get go, but not everyone can feel them. My first ds was preterm and the other 2 were full term. Most likely nothing to worry about. Your body is just "practicing"!

[Awaken]

Originally Posted by *Amy*

What do they feel like? This is my first, so I'm not sure whether I am or not.

I don't know if I speak for everyone, but for me it is just my uterus getting really hard- it's a contraction but it doesn't hurt at all. Just feels weird to have a rock hard abdomen!

[northwoods1995]

Originally Posted by SoggyGranolaMomma

I have an "irritable" uterus I have had some pretty strong BH ctx already. Depending on whether or not I have to pee, drink something, whether I've had sex, whether I get up wrong OY! I contract all the time.

It never does me any good though... : I have the world's slowest dilating cervix ever!!

Hey that sounds JUST LIKE ME!! LOL

[BensMom]

I never had any BH with my first pregnancy, but every now and then I have a tightening feeling in my uterus. I am guessing it must be BH. Pretty cool! I have been drinking pregnancy tea like mad, so I hope it means my uterus is getting nice and tone!

[Kavita]

Yep here too! Sometimes I just notice that my uterus is rock hard for a moment, and other times they actually kind of hurt. They sort of take my breath away, not because of actual pain but just because it is such a weird sensation.

[Gunter]

Can someone write more about how they feel?

I am 20 weeks now. Tonight my abdomen was solid on the sides...not like I was just bloated below the belly button. It felt like there was a magnetic bowling ball in my stomach and a magnet was pulling on it from the outside. Slight streching and tightness. Kinda hard to catch my breath. I could not drink any more water or lay down comfortably. It really freaked me out. If it wasn't so late I would call one of my other preggo friends.

My abdomen feels less tight now, so that is why I wonder about BHs. Any body else relate to these physical feelings?

[flyingspaghettimama]

Gunter - mine started around 20 weeks too, although in my second pregnancy they don't worry me as much as in my first.

It feels sort of how you describe - basically gently poke your tummy/uterus when you're just sitting there, watching TV. It probably feels firmish, but not hard. When it's a contraction, it gets very hard - like a bowling ball as you said.

You could talk to your provider if it makes you feel better; but I *think* it's only a problem if you're also experiencing pain, not just discomfort. Pain sort of like extended menstrual cramps, and anything coming very consistently (i.e regularly every couple minutes or so) then call someone fairly quickly and get some feedback.

I was dehydrated in my first pregnancy and this made them worse - and as other people said - full bladder, sex, walking, eating too much, looking at a sunset, waking up in the morning :LOL Just kidding about some of those.

[Slackermom]

I really wasn't bothered by them much when pg with DD, but this time I'm getting LOTS. Especially when I'm walking. Between that and the darn ligaments stretching, I feel like just sitting on the couch for the next 20 weeks.

[*Amy*]

Hi from Hawaii!!

I have dial-up so it takes too long to do anything but I had to come and try to figure out of I am having BH. They are more like cramps though, though there is definitely the sensation of tightening. I don't know if I should be worried. They seem to come on after extended physical activity, such as walking or hiking, and sometimes even after I empty my bladder. So I'm kind of confused. Since I'm in Hawaii I don't have many pregnancy books with me, and of course the one I do have doesn't talk about BH at all. I think I may call or email my doula just to be reassured. So for you guys, there isn't any pain when they occur?

[Gunter]

Aloha, Amy!

The other night, it was uncomfortable more than painful. There was stretching but not really cramping. It went away and I have not felt that, again. Hope you are enjoying your vacation!!!