How often are you having Braxton Hicks?

stacyslo · July 2014

Hi ladies, I was just wondering how often you are having BH contractions? I know some are normal at this stage (I'm 23/24 weeks) but I didn't have them with my son so this is new for me. I mentioned how often I am getting them to the nurse at my appt this week and she asked how often I am getting them…it feels like constantly, and thats what I told her, but I said I would start trying to track how often. I also mentioned it to the doctor who asked me some questions about my occupation (I'm in sales so I'm in/out of the car all day and standing/walking a lot) and he said the longer I'm on my feet and the longer my day is, the more frequently I will feel them that night and the next day. He said to try and sit/rest as much as possible but understands that's not always possible in sales. Anyway, I am still monitoring them…but was curious what you ladies are experiencing? I read on some nursing forum that some people have actually been taken off work due to BH. I was planning to work up to 35 weeks (when he will take me off so I will not have to attend a sales meeting out of state)…but have read that persistent and frequent BH can actually trigger or signal pre-term labor, so now I'm freaking out just a little and wondering if I should ask to be taken out earlier if they persist?

Thanks for the feedback...

uncharted01 · July 2014

I don't think I've had them at all... I assume I would know if I was, right? I work a desk job and sit all day long so maybe that's why I don't have them.

mb314 · July 2014

I haven't noticed any yet - but I don't think I really had them (that I noticed) with DS either. Good luck!

stacyslo · July 2014

@uncharted01 yeah, I think you would know. I never noticed them with my first pregnancy, but the doctor said they get worse with each pregnancy. Your belly gets rock hard and it's a tightening feeling that can be pretty uncomfortable, but not really painful. Mine seem to last FOREVER and happen when I stand for long periods. They seem to go away when I can relax and put my feet up.

tugglek23 · July 2014

I get them every day too. First baby for me and I'm 23 weeks. I get them when I go up stairs or walk for an extended period of time. I assumed it was normal.

stacyslo · July 2014

@tugglek23 yes, they are normal. I'm just trying to determine how much is considered "normal" before they should be taken more seriously. I have them almost every hour which seems like a lot to me, so I'm trying to monitor so I can ask my doc about again next time I go in.

tugglek23 · July 2014

stacyslo said:
@tugglek23 yes, they are normal. I'm just trying to determine how much is considered "normal" before they should be taken more seriously. I have them almost every hour which seems like a lot to me, so I'm trying to monitor so I can ask my doc about again next time I go in.

Yeah that's a lot more than I'm having them. I'd say I get them on average 5-8 times a day. And not one after another. From what I've researched, it would be a concern if you were having them frequently (not sure the definition of frequently when it comes to these), in a rhythmic pattern or if they hurt. Im sure everything is perfect with our little ones! :-)

AnnieRoo13 · July 2014

I get a few every day, usually at the end of the day or if I have to pee or just after. Last night I got one after an orgasm. It lasts a few seconds and then it's over. I asked my OB about it and she said as long as they're not every 5 minutes then you're okay and they're completely normal (like PPs said). They are a bit freaky, so I can understand the concern about them. I definitely find they're worse if I've had a long day or I've done too much. Listen to your body and take it easy when you need to.

morrkim · July 2014

I didn't notice them with DD, but I have been getting them occasionally this time. For a little while I was getting one or two a day, but I have been doing better at drinking my water and taking it a little easier and I haven't noticed them as much. My doctor said to call her if I get 6 in an hour.

ARZamora1111 · July 2014

Water, Water, Water!! Most of the time, BH are brought on from dehydration. So keep drinking those fluids ladies! I was miserable yesterday with BH all-damn-day. By the time I got home, I was sucking down water which helped decrease them so I could go to bed semi-comfortably....granted, I was then up a few times to pee in the middle of the night

Ineedmorecoffee · July 2014

I get them multiple times a day. When I start to get them more often it's usually a sign that I need to drink more water, or get off my feet.

stacyslo · July 2014

Thanks for the replies, I think it could be from not drinking enough water, it's been over 100 degrees here for a few weeks and I work out of my car so I'm always hot!! I will keep monitoring and mention it again to my doc if they get more frequent.

dr_pr · July 2014

ARZamora1111 said:

Water, Water, Water!! Most of the time, BH are brought on from dehydration. So keep drinking those fluids ladies! I was miserable yesterday with BH all-damn-day. By the time I got home, I was sucking down water which helped decrease them so I could go to bed semi-comfortably....granted, I was then up a few times to pee in the middle of the night

^This! If I slack off on fluids, they come all the time. If I'm hydrated, they're less frequent. And like @aragosta said, it's getting hard to tell if it's really BH of if it's baby stretching and rolling!

Alid86 · July 2014

I have them every day, not rue how many times but definitely an increase if I haven't drank enough water or if I have to pee really bad and don't go right away!

Melissa2216 · July 2014

Several times a day for me. Mine are triggered by bending over or changing positions quickly, having a full bladder, and lately bumpy car rides.

ETA: This is my 2nd pregnancy. I don't remember having them this early or this often with DS. Then again, I was not chasing around/playing with a toddler the last time around.

ShelleyElla22 · July 2014

I get them multiple times a day. Usually when I'm cleaning, doing laundry, chasing after my kids, etc. I also get them with a full bladder. I usually take them as a warning sign that I need to sit down and take it easy (and drink some water).

purplechic7105 · July 2014

A little unsolicited and hopefully helpful advice.....I travel heavily for my job but instead of going out on leave before baby is born my OB is writing a note to say I can't travel after 30 weeks more than 1 hr away. May be worth considering so you can save your time for when your baby arrives. You can still call on customers in your territory but would get you out of the sales meeting.

stacyslo · July 2014

purplechic7105 said:

A little unsolicited and hopefully helpful advice.....I travel heavily for my job but instead of going out on leave before baby is born my OB is writing a note to say I can't travel after 30 weeks more than 1 hr away. May be worth considering so you can save your time for when your baby arrives. You can still call on customers in your territory but would get you out of the sales meeting.

Thanks! This is a great tip. However, in California we get 4 weeks prior to due date without a medical reason, covered by state disability -- more if the doc finds a medical reason to pull you out earlier. But you can't "save" the time until after, you either take the 4 weeks prior and 6-8 weeks after birth (depending on whether you have a vagnal or c-section) but you can't extend your "leave" by going out closer to due date. I guess it's to prevent moms from feeling like they HAVE to work until they are due.

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