Braxton Hicks anyone else?

[mom0810]

I had contractions off and on all day Saturday. Called the OB and he was not concerned, as I did not have any of the other signs of preterm labor, and the contractions were about 20 minutes apart. Has anyone else had this? This is my second baby, and I never had this the first time. It was very hot here, although I am in a VERY cool house. I did have an argument with hubby which preceded contractions in the morning, which went away with rest, but came back as soon as I started moving around.

I have been very--ahem-- constipated, and I am thinking this could be part of what is going on. Does anyone have any insight? Should I go in for a check today??

[yogamama74]

Yes, I've been getting them too. I had one last night while trying to fall asleep. They're not painful, but they really tighten my belly up for a minute.

I find that walking around or changing position makes it go away.

I had them with my third pregnancy too, but can't really remember having them much with my first and second. I'm wondering if they're more common in mommies that have had more babies?

Oh yes, and I notice that stress and constipation make them more likely for me too.

[bgb699]

I've had two BH over the last couple of weeks. With my other two pregnancies I had them constantly from about 20 weeks on, so I just chalk them up to just one of those things that happens to me. They were never uncomfortable until I was close to my due date though.

[Metiswoman]

I'm having them now. They are strong and kind of scaring me. I wouldn't say they are painful but they are strong enough to make me be still and wait for it to pass. I notice them more if I have a full bladder. Drinking a lot of water doesn't seem to help them go away either. This is baby #4--I'm wondering if my uterus is just 'sensitive' from prior pregnancies?

[crunchywannabe]

I've been having them for weeks now...

[LittleBrownDog]

Yep, they started for me around 15 weeks? I usually only get one at a time. I get them more if I get dehydrated, overtired, stressed, etc. Drinking some water or tea and laying down helps.

[dcgrl]

i told my midwife I had been having intermittent cramping that I thought was B-H. def. not round ligament pain. She told me that I really need to stay hydrated, especially on a hot day. She said that I feel it again, be sure to drink 8 oz. of water every 15 minutes. (I think in the dehumidified air of an air conditioned house or workplace, it's easy to get dehydrated...)

[brooklyn_warbler]

i don't think i've gotten these yet. how can you even tell what they are? will i just know? (aw, i'm such a first-time mama )

[LittleBrownDog]

I didn't have them with my first until very late- at least 36-38 weeks or so? Basically it just feels like all your belly muscles get tight and hard, but it doesn't quite hurt, you're just sort of aware of it. And for me I got slightly out of breath when it happened.

[monocyte]

I've been having them for several weeks as well. Had them with ds, but wow, these are def different. They HURT. Happens when I need to pee, need to drink, or just sit in a funny position (like slouching in a chair). Overactive day does it as well.

I saw my mw today, and had 2 while there...laying on my back. Urg. Just something we are going to watch a bit closer this time, but she wasnt concerned at all. Just thinks Im more sensitive to them since Im still NOT really feeling the baby thanks to placenta placement.

[sorteep]

I get strong BH ctx quite regularly and daily.. did with both boys too, but you can never be too careful, if you have ANY cause for concern get cervix checked... better safe than sorry...

[Valerieg]

I'm definitely getting them earlier this time. My belly just tightens up. My OB just tells me to stay hydrated.

It's hot this summer...drink your water and relax ladies.

[crunchywannabe]

and for those that ARE drinking their water BH are not always related to dehydration-nor do they always go away with drinking water

you *can* tend to have them earlier and more frequent if you have had babies before-so don't worry if you are having them so much. just keep an eye and if they don't go away of it they become more frequent during a certain time frame-then you are probably fine.

((hug))

[Valerieg]

Oh yeah, didn't want to imply they were dehydration related. My OB just wanted to make sure that wasn't the cause. She did tell me that they happen more often and earlier with #2.

I'd get seriously terrible BH whenever I'd attend a wedding. The music would be so loud that the baby got angry I think. Haha.

[mom0810]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one! Some of them were painful, with menstrual crampish feelings, but they went away with some rest. My OB told me that preterm labor is different--changes in vag. discharge and contractions are more than 6 in an hour-- so I feel better now. Boy was it weird to have that, though!

We went for a walk in the am the day I had them, and it was SO HOT! So, I think that could have been it. The OB told me we all have them once we get our period, which I thought was interesting. We just don't feel them unless we are pregnant. Funny but reassuring.

[StacieM]

Yup - I have days every now and then with BH all day long (esp if DH and I dtd in the morning ), but I've had this with other pgs before and never had a preterm labor problem (in fact I usually go AFTER my due date). Often times they are closer than 20 minutes apart. I think my dr says if you have more than 6 in an hour, then call him - or something like that.

I agree with the others though, better to be safe than sorry and if you have any doubts, then definitely make a call and at least ask about it if not get checked out.