Braxton Hicks & contractions

lovehair555

I'm 29 weeks with twins and supposed to be checking for pre term labor twice a day for one hour, I don't think I've had a contraction, but I think I have had Braxton hicks ? I'm confused on how to tell, I was told for a contraction your entire stomach including the top will be hard, and I think have to last 35 seconds ? I've never had the very top be hard BUT a lot of the time it will feel like 2 super hard balls are pushing against my stomach and almost my whole stomach minus the very top will be hard, is this a Braxton hick or just the babies ? Do I consider this a contraction or a braxtok hick ?

zoe18

Hey im 30 weeks with my first baby... in the last 2 weeks ive been getting really bad braxton hicks they are like short shocks its horrid! Ive also been told to look out for preterm labour and its very confusing...If your worried speak to your midwife or gp!! 9/10 its nothing to worry about!!

KiwiMumof3

I'm 29weeks and get Braxton Hicks several times a day but mine don't hurt at all my stomach just goes hard and walking is a struggle because it feels like my muscles are pulling. If you are really concerned get checked out, especially with twins increasing your chances of pre-term labor.

dancegurl1118

Definitely ask your provider! They probably have different parameters they want you to be watching for -- and even preterm labor can be painless until it's too late. I plan on asking my doctor the same tomorrow. I get BH almost every day and at least once an hour..as a FTM I don't know when it stops being BH and starts being more serious, as there have definitely been times I've had more than 6 in an hour. Good luck!

AlyLynn07

I am a STM and had Braxton Hicks contractions for the entire last trimester when I was pregnant w our first. My dr told me to rest/call if I had more than 4 in an hour. I would describe it as uncomfortable tightening where the uterus does get hard all over. With labor, it felt just like menstrual cramping that got (obviously) more and more intense with back pain. I didn't notice tightening during labor as much.

taboullio84

How have we not invented a strap to tell us when we are having a contraction at home? Lol

KaLikeAWind

taboullio84 said:

How have we not invented a strap to tell us when we are having a contraction at home? Lol

Right?! I watched a video today about solar freaking roadways, but we can't make something like this for inexpensive home use? At least for higher risk moms of early labor?

queequeg09256

I'm more upset we don't have a fold button on the dryer but to each their own... no advise op hopefully your dr can explain more about what to look for.

annekeener

I just came from the doctor and discussed this with her. Braxton Hicks is a tightening of the tummy, a practice contraction. Real contractions will be obvious and show consistency. A good way to think about it is the uterus is a muscle and it is prepping for the big event with the BH contractions. So once the real ones begin the muscle is tired, almost exhausted and causes pain. In my experience they are totally different contractions and feel different. However, as other moms have said, if you are worried don't hesitate to ask questions of your provider.

lovehair555

Does the top of my stomach have to be really hard to be a Braxton hick ? Or can it be everything but the very top of my stomach ? I'm having a hard time knowing if I'm having braxtok hicks or not

tdotson0722

I'm pregnant with twins and I'm 29wks. My stomach will get hard and last 1min or less. It is not painful and not consistent. Sometimes I go pee after it happens and it's better. Also make sure you are drinking a lot of water. You just sound like your having Braxton hicks. Just count how many times an hour they are happening

klkonwi

How to time contractions : look at the clock when one starts. Write down the time and then look at the clock when the NEXT contraction/tightening starts. And how far apart they are is how many minutes apart those times are. Braxton Hicks can be random.....and usually are, I did have a bout that lasted 30 min the other day but went away with water and rest. Most importantly is.... Go in if these do not go away in 30 min or so.....

Jen61811

My BH's are usually on the bottom half of my belly its never the entire belly. It lasts for about a minute or less and are usually bearable.

mlindzz

annekeener said:

I just came from the doctor and discussed this with her. Braxton Hicks is a tightening of the tummy, a practice contraction. Real contractions will be obvious and show consistency. A good way to think about it is the uterus is a muscle and it is prepping for the big event with the BH contractions. So once the real ones begin the muscle is tired, almost exhausted and causes pain. In my experience they are totally different contractions and feel different. However, as other moms have said, if you are worried don't hesitate to ask questions of your provider.

This! Also I remember reading that during 'practice contractions' or Braxton Hicks that they will most often ease up when you change positions (generally laying down, or switching sides), although real contractions won't.