[MommyChani]

B"H

dear all, i'm currently in my seventh month approx, third pregnancy thank G-d. for the last month or so i've been getting lots of braxton h, my stomach feels taut most of the time and sometimes even hurts, ob-gyn and midwife say it's normal with a third pregnancy, is it indeed? furthermore, i'm worried about being fit for birth, i am not able to take long walks or excercise due to the symptoms described so I'm wondering how i'm going to handle birth when i usually have back labor, do not take epidurals or anything and do lots of walking, squatting etc. any ideas?

 

[OMama]

This is my second pregnancy and I'm having almost the exact same symptoms. I tried walking around the zoo yesterday with my mom and DD and it was pathetic because I kept getting so many contractions and ligament tightening (or whatever it is that prevents me from moving forwards). Then I had to pee about every three seconds and sit down. I have gained 55 lbs this pregnancy and am only 33 weeks! I can't even do prenatal yoga or stretching because even when I do it very lightly and minimally I get substantial back pain (one week I had to walk with a cane!) and abdomen pain. Normally, I am fit, active woman, so this is driving me nuts. I am slightly worried about labor too for that reason. But some of these symptoms (the weight gain, back pain, inability to exercise) I had during my first labor too and I did totally fine. I think that the BH contractions are helping me get ready for labor. That is how I think about them. The ligament cramping is just plain irritating and painful sometimes. I wanted to walk a lot in labor last time and I figure at the time I will just make it work. I thought I might want to squat last time but didn't. I "enjoyed" being upright and rocking back and forth. This time we'll be at home (hopefully!) too so I know it will be different. I am so ready for this baby that even with all the discomforts -- and because of them -- I'm not too concerned about getting him out. He just needs to be in there for at least 7 more weeks, and after the zoo trip yesterday I was beginning to wonder! Basically I think that even if you are overweight and/or haven't been exercising that it is still totally possible to have an "easy" birth. Just do what you can now and then just go with it on the big day!

 

[time4another]

I'm in my 3rd pg too. I noticed what you describe with my second much more than this one though. I had to give up my walks at around 34 weeks then because I'd get a constant contraction when doing it. It did not seem to effect my labor and birth in a negative way, I think the fact that I was so active for the majority of that pregnancy helped a ton!

This time I notice less BH than last, however, they are sneaking up on me. I am starting to really feel them on walks and when I mow the lawn. I definatly think the walking has alot to do with causing them too, because I go to a yoga class 2X a week and have *never* had a BH there yet to date! So my suggestions are these, don't get dehydrated, change your activity to something else (swimming, stationary bike, try a pg yoga DVD) or stop.

Heather

 

[MommyChani]

B"H

thanks! feels good to know that it's not unusual, but am I supposed to stop everything when the pains come or just live with them and continue doing what I can around the house?