Braxton Hicks - WWYD?

Ourfamilyof5

So I've been having braxton hicks on and off for weeks now. I mentioned them to my regular OB about 6 weeks ago and she checked my cervix at that time (it was firm and closed) and told me they're normal and to expect them even more so in a twin pregnancy. 

I feel like they pick up more and more with each passing week, though they don't come with any absolute consistency nor are they accompanied by any pain. That being said, I get them every time I change positions (going from sitting to standing, turning over in bed, etc.) and often when I'm doing any type of activity (from washing dishes to grocery shopping to changing my son's diaper).

During my appointment last week, I saw a different OB and mentioned them to her. She did not check my cervix. She just reminded me that the uterus is a muscle that is getting irritated and over stretched due to a multiple pregnancy. She said to call if I get 10 in an hour (I don't) and to make sure the MFM measures my cervix at my next appointment (which is next week).

All that to say, while I don't get 10 an hour, I do feel like I get a pretty fair amount and they are definitely noticeable and uncomfortable at times. I emailed my regular OB today and basically said everything I wrote here and she said it's most likely fine, but to be on the safe side, it wouldn't hurt to come in and be checked and possibly sent to L&D for some monitoring. She also just gave me the option of going to L&D now if I feel like I need to.

WWYD? I obviously wouldn't do anything to put my babies at risk and if I need to go to L&D, I most certainly will (though at this point I'm leaning toward just seeing my OB first tomorrow)...but I'm also thinking maybe what I'm experiencing is just normal for a multiple pregnancy nearing it's end (I'm 30w2d). Did you experience a lot of BH during your third tri? What is "normal" to you?

Making sure my babies are OK is obviously NOT a waste of time, but I just have this gut feeling that I'd head over to L&D, be kept for several hours and sent home because everything is fine.  

turtle_1278

"Normal" is different for everyone.  I, personally, did not feel a whole lot of BH but I also was only sort of "crampy" the day I had my last appt and found out I was 4 cm dialated with a bulging bag.  If your questioning it and concerned, going in can't hurt.  I went to L&D once because I thought I was leaking at 28 weeks, I wasn't but it was still reassuring to know everything was okay.  I also was having mild contractions and had an irritable uterus (I really didn't feel any).  Go with your gut, everyone is different.  If you go in and they send you home then you won't have to worry anymore!

laraashleyt

I agree with the above...."normal" is different for everyone. Listen to your body. If it would ease your mind to go to L&D, then don't feel bad about going. I didn't have many B&H until lately...and they're still not what you're describing. 

Good Luck. I hope everything is okay and you can keep baking those little ones!!  

jessican08

I've had tons of BH this whole PG starting at 15w. Sometimes I've even had over 10 an hour. I went to L&D for them 3 times between 18w and 26w. Luckily they never caused any cervical changes, they're just extremely nerve wracking. At my last visit the Dr. gave me a script for oral terbutaline to take when they pick up. It really helped me manage the contractions because the terb would knock them out after 30-60 minutes and would save me a trip to L&D (if it's really PTL, oral terb isn't going to do anything).

My contractions have gotten longer and stronger the further along I've gotten but I don't go in any more for them. I have some now that last about 5 minutes each and are quite painful but I only get 3-4 of those "big ones" a day. 

Hang in there, an irritable uterus is a maddening thing to have for sure. Also, if you're not comfortable, call or go in. My OB always encouraged me to do this...peace of mind is everything!

FML8608

I had them fairly consistently beginning at 24 wks whenever I was most active. They scared me so much I had a breakdown in the store when I first had more than 5 an hr. One Sunday, I had more than 10 an hr for 3 hrs and as per my OB, I went to L&D the next day. Everything was PERFECT with me and the babies but I needed that tiny piece of mind. The nurses and midwife told me they will expect to see me again before I deliver b/c multiples causes a lot of false labor and they'd rather have me come in and be monitored than not and have something happen.  I've learned how to control them. WHen I start getting them, I sit down, drink water and elevate my feet. I am not working, allowed one errand a day and have to take breaks between chores as per my midwife. We also figured out at L&D that because I drink a ton of water, when my bladder expands it causes my BH to begin b/c after I pee they slow down. Everybody's "normal" is different just like pp said.

All that being said, I'd go in and be checked out. You have nothing to lose, right?