Braxton Hicks

helloaustin123 · February 2017

Anyone else experiencing Braxton hicks? I've been having them randomly for about a week now. I definitely notice them when I am running around like crazy (toddler) and not resting. I asked my OB and she said they can start around this time. I don't remember them happening this early with my first pregnancy but then again I probably didn't realize they were happening until further along when they were more noticeable. 23 weeks, 1 day btw.

lifeislove87 · February 2017

I think so? What do they feel like (sorry FTM here)

helloaustin123 · February 2017

@lifeislove87 for me it feels like stomach tightening (and I can feel it on the outside also), and when it happens it is like a pressure feeling. When I'm further along that pressure makes it difficult to catch my breath because of the tightening. Hard to describe for sure!

Mport90 · February 2017

Yeah it's really uncomfortable. I just try to be calm and deep breaths for few seconds

Stankonia2014 · February 2017

I've been getting BH towards the end of the work day and then towards the end of the day before bed, usually when I'm more active. I just drink some water and rest or slow down a bit.

ladylolly89 · February 2017

I have them at least a few times a day (I did with my son as well). They have started at 17 weeks with both pregnancies. I second @Stankonia2014 in that it's a good reminder for me to take a break and/or drink more water!

Wino0920 · February 2017

I've been getting them as well. Nothing that makes me stop in my tracks, but definitely noticeable.

JessyKV · February 2017

I get them a lot At night when im making dinner or getting the kids ready for bed.

dancegurl1118 · February 2017

Lurking from July-- thankful for this thread, just started getting them consistently at 17 weeks. Glad to know it's not just me. They definitely didn't start this early last time!

Elyse1384 · February 2017

I had them a lot at night when pregnant with DS. Didn't really get them with DD or this pregnancy yet, but boy were they a mind f near the end of my pregnancy with DS as they became more frequent. As @Stankonia2014 said though, keep hydrated! I also had lots of Charlie horses with DS which can be another indicator of dehydration.

jc_twomamas · February 2017

Yep. Started around 18 weeks with this pregnancy and 24/25 weeks with DS pregnancy. Mine have picked up in the last week, especially when I've been moving around a lot or out walking. My OB's rule of thumb is no more then 6 in an hour, but I am high risk so she's fairly conservative with me. I think with DS pregnancy the rule was no more then 10 an hour (pre hospital bed rest).

Best things to help are, change whatever position is causing them (if you're standing/moving, sit down and visa versa), drink TONS of water and rest when your body is telling you to.

Mine are uncomfortable and slightly cramps at times, but never painful like contractions are.

JAGinMI · February 2017

Yes, definitely normal. I have been experiencing them for about a week (21w tomorrow) and it was around this time with my previous pregnancies, as well. They are uncomfortable but, at the same time, not all that bothersome.

awillis13 · February 2017

I've only had them a couple of times, both when I was dealing with the stomach bug and was definitely dehydrated. I didn't have them at all last pregnancy.

soontobemrsdavis · February 2017

I get them a couple of times a day it seems. Didn't have them last time around so it caught me off guard at first.

MrsLa3 · February 2017

I get them at night and when I'm really active.

Waiting4Fred · February 2017

I get one or two a day if I'm really active, and I always, always have significant tightening after we do the deed.

LAMCH1980 · February 2017

I have them and I had a lot with DS. I was on bedrest and their answer was always to lay on your left side for a bit and drink lots of water. It helps!

mishmosh26 · February 2017

I am 24 weeks and I have been having them for about a week, about 3 times a day. With my first pregnancy I also did not have them at all, so I am relieved to see that other STMs are also experiencing it for the first time. Seeing my OB next week so I will mention it at the appointment. Its definitely a reminder to me to slow down!

shmarpler · February 2017

I had an ultrasound today, and the tech caught two of them, but I never felt anything. It was cool to see. I do remember very having then fairly often with DD late in my pregnancy. I never felt cramping, but my stomach would very very hard.