STMs - BHs vs contractions in early 3rd tri

cecilyandgautam · May 2014

Hi Second Time Mamas,

For those of you who generally recall what actual labor feels like, have you experienced any intense BH in the early part of this 3rd trimester? I had plenty of noticeable, mildly painful ones when expecting my first, but that started when I was about 36 weeks along and then they just continued to occur more & more frequently for another month.

Well, this past week I've been experiencing plenty of intense BH. They're not quite what I felt in the serious parts of labor, but they're on par with the early labor I felt after my water broke last time. I've called my provider, went in to be checked out, and they think it's fine - sent me home to rest up. I'm still feeling a lot of back pressure, cramps & intense BH/early labor contraction sensations and I'm just wondering - is there anyone else who's also experiencing this as a 2nd time mom? I'll call my provider again, but I feel like it's just a waste of time to go in when I'm not in active labor. However, I don't want to get into active labor when I'm only 30 weeks, so if this is early labor, I'd like to catch it early and try to stop it, obviously.

So, just an informal poll for STMs - does this sounds familiar/normal to you? Waves of back pressure accompanying BHs - is that just how it feels for second time moms?

Thanks for any tips!

ArmyMedic7588 · May 2014

I'm a FTM, but I remember hearing that BH can be more intense for ST+Ms. Also, I wouldn't worry as much about the pain as I would worry about being able to time them and when they become regular. If it's just occasional then it's just BH.

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cMichelle0423 · May 2014

I'm a STM and have noticed that as of recently, my BH have gotten a little stronger than before. I don't remember this happening last time.. I'd say call your dr if you're really worried, but really, I don't see a cause for concern unless they're becoming regularly, closer together, or more intense after a few hours. Try drinking some water and relaxing and see if that'll make them chill out.

cecilyandgautam · May 2014

Thanks for the replies! It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one with more intense BH the 2nd time around. In terms of frequency - they're pretty up there. Mornings are generally okay but by afternoon, I'm usually having one every 10 minutes, and then in the evening they come every 2-5 minutes but if I take a bath and lay in bed, they settle down to just 5-6 an hour. It's a lot and the intensity is very much like what I felt the day before my first was born, but they've not quite on par with active labor, so I guess I'll just wait and keep my provider posted. I can't imagine this going on for months, but I guess I'll just take it as it comes.

mtrhomegirl · May 2014

I notice mine getting worse when i haven't had a lot to drink so i would keep up on the fluid intake and see if that helps any:)

PrimRoseMama · May 2014

I had no BH that were noticeable with DS like I did with DD. I'd keep watch on what you are describing. Lots of water & good meals.

darkangel42 · May 2014

I had no BH til the very end with my first and they were uncomfortable but that's it, totally random in terms of frequency and length. Labor contractions stopped me in my tracks and folded me in half so there was a huge difference!

This time, I've been having BH for a few weeks now so much, much sooner and pretty intense. They seem to ease if I go to the bathroom or have a small snack so I go to the bathroom a lot and have a pack of food with me most of the time. MW isn't concerned as it's apparently normal to get them sooner/stronger after you've had a baby.

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STMs - BHs vs contractions in early 3rd tri

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