Braxton Hicks contractions

kat81

Does anyone remember / know when is the earliest one might get braxton hicks contractions? I got them with previous pregnancies a lot (but never had any signs of preterm labor and delivered on time-ish). I could have sworn I've felt a couple of contractions this past week. It just seems so early. I'm only 16 weeks. I've just felt what seems like tightening for 10ish seconds at a time, about once a day. It's mild and definitely not painful. I have no inclination to call the doctor (though should I?!) But it does seem early and from a quick web search it looks like you can expect them 20 weeks on. FWIW, I am likely a bit dehydrated, which I know is a huge contributing factor.

ShadeofGreen816

I don't know much about gestational age and how early you can get them. But the few things I've been told is that yes, dehydration definitely has a huge impact. Also, "real" contractions tend to be 30-60seconds long, so if your contractions are shorter or longer, they're *probably* BH and not true contractions. 
ETA: My WHNP Preceptor always says 5-6 in an hour is too many if you've drank some water and laid down. 

kat81

ShadeofGreen816 said:

I don't know much about gestational age and how early you can get them. But the few things I've been told is that yes, dehydration definitely has a huge impact. Also, "real" contractions tend to be 30-60seconds long, so if your contractions are shorter or longer, they're *probably* BH and not true contractions. 
ETA: My WHNP Preceptor always says 5-6 in an hour is too many if you've drank some water and laid down. 

Oh yeah I'm sure these are short and BH (if that, even!), definitely not "real" in any way. But I should still drink more.

chickyclg

I got them really early around 16-18 weeks (twins though) 

march2008

I am pretty sure I had a few several days ago and it freaked me out. I can't remember when I had them with DD. From what I've read about them online, they usually don't start until after 20 weeks, so that wasn't very reassuring! I haven't had them again since that one day so I'm hoping it was a fluke.

I have my next check up on Tuesday next week so I'll definitely be mentioning it to the OBGYN.

NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot

I have felt them super early in this pregnancy.  It seems like I get one at the slightest thing.  W/ DD, I'd have one every time the Dr measured my stomach.  Like last time, I get them from tight waistbands and really anything slightly bumping my stomach housing baby area. I had to be induced at almost 41 wks with DD so it wasn't early regular contractions. I plan to ask about it at my next appt.

JCWhitey

I've had them for a few weeks now, so starting around 12 weeks.  I had them a lot last time regardless of whether I was hydrated or not.  I'm just prone to them, I guess.

mdlorenz

I had them last time from 16-17 weeks on, and didn't deliver until 41w1d. Started noticing them this time around the same GA (more like 17 wks). Nothing to stress about unless they become painful, make a pattern that lasts an hour or more, or are associated with other warning signs (leaking fluid, bleeding). 

JCWhitey

Also remember that your uterus is regularly contracting and stretching.  It's very active, just most people will not notice until they are active labor contractions.  With my first I remember the midwife trying to listen to the HB on the dopplar and she kept having to wait because my uterus was contracting.  I had no clue, didn't feel a thing.  So you may catch it every now and then, but it's harmless until you REALLY start to notice and they get painful and timable.

carter604

I had Braxton Hicks just about every day from a certain point with my last pregnancy and have started to feel them again already at 16w. I liked to think of it as my uterus getting super buff and ready for labour!

mommachanner

In my last pregnancy I didn't have any until late 20's/30's week wise. This time around I felt some at 16 weeks but it was during a run. Talked to my midwife and she mentioned they can happen because of dehydration or over doing it. But that unless they were happening several times within an hour it was nothing for me to worry about.