another "is this normal?" post

mediaperuana

yesterday I felt rather uncomfortable all day, with some mild cramping. later in the day I started having occasional stronger cramps that would last 5-10 seconds. I wasn't entirely certain if it was baby-related or just gas or constipation. I put my feet up and drank extra water. then I noticed that occasionally it seemed like my uterus was tightening up along with the cramps, and that got me a bit worried. still, no bleeding or anything unusual, so I decided to sleep and call the doc in the AM.

pain has subsided , but I'm still noticing tenderness and random tightening in my uterus. call the doc? I'm planning to call in sick today anyway, since I barely slept.  I just hate all this uncertainty! 

Jaci85

I've had weird stuff like that and been fine. I know what you mean about the uncertainty. I'm always scared!!

Ebee27

It sounds like braxton-hicks contractions, which I have been feeling since about week 16. It shouldn't hurt or anything, so if it does definitely call the doc. I mentioned being able to feel them to my doctor at my 17 week appointment, thinking it was kinda normal, and she was a bit concerned - she just did a urine test and a cervix check to make sure that I didn't have an infection (which can cause uterine cramping) and to make sure the contractions weren't changing my cervix. Once those were ruled out, she said not to worry and to just make sure to time them and if you have more than 4 in an hour to call the doctor. This is just what my experience with the hardening of my uterus with a bit of pressure - if you're worried, definitely call that doctor. I'd rather feel a bit foolish than miss something potentially wrong, personally.

mediaperuana

thanks all! decided to call the doctor's office. they said to take it easy today, drink lots of water (i know i haven't been drinking enough, because i get sick of dashing off to pee every 10 minutes!), and call them if there's any bleeding or severe or more frequent pain. my next regular appt is Oct 1, so i can also address it then if it's still an issue.

so for now, a day in bed with Amazon Prime instant streaming and knitting it is!

BBS!

Sounds like Braxton-Hicks. I got them bad after doing too much in the sun. Drink lots of water and take it easy.

Rynleigh

"Tightening" can just be a braxton-hicks "practice" contraction, or it can be a warning sign of preterm labor. If you have more than 5 in one hour and they don't subside with water and laying on your side, you should call your OB's office and notify them. They might not have you come in immediately, but that's the kind of stuff you should always chart with your office.