Braxton Hicks! Scared

babyW15 · September 2014

What do they feel like? I am 24w 1d. I am having what feels like cramps that get with my period on both side of my lower abdomen. My belly gets tight. I googled and that is what they are described as and say it is nothing to worry about as long as they don't get stronger or more frequent. This happened for the first time last night after dinner, and again tonight after dinner. I am laying in bed now but I am SO SCARED, so badly I am crying. What should I do?

Stephij1 · September 2014

They can be scary, but they're totally normal. What you described sounds just like Braxton Hicks and it's nothing to worry about. As long as they go away after a while and there's no bleeding, you're totally fine. Drink some water, lay on your left side, and take some Tylenol if you feel like you need it. They are just practice for delivery, so they're actually a good thing. Uncomfortable, but good.

SandraRDH · September 2014

I just read today on my pregnancy app that Braxton Hicks happens about this time (about 24 weeks) and is normal, it's just something your body will start to do as its preparing for birthing. I've had it happen on 2 occasions so far.

NatureLovers · September 2014

babyW15 said:
What do they feel like? I am 24w 1d. I am having what feels like cramps that get with my period on both side of my lower abdomen. My belly gets tight. I googled and that is what they are described as and say it is nothing to worry about as long as they don't get stronger or more frequent. This happened for the first time last night after dinner, and again tonight after dinner. I am laying in bed now but I am SO SCARED, so badly I am crying. What should I do?

Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

Ok, first of all, deep breaths. Braxton Hicks are totally normal, there's no need to cry and get super scared and worked up. In fact is an encouraging sign that your body is doing the work it needs to do to prep for labor.

Many times these contractions are brought on by dehydration. So I'd drink two nice big glasses of water, enjoy a hot bath, and when you get out of the tub, lay down with pillows under your knees. Continue to sip water and take a couple Tylenol. They BH's should go away without issue.

However, this deserves a call to your doctor if the contractions are actually hurting you, and/or you have 6 or more contractions in an hour. BH's are usually not painful, it's just more of a tightening feeling.

Try to relax and good luck!

ETA: The 6 contrax in an hour guideline was given to me by my doctor, but I'm sure different providers will have different "rules".

Stargirlb · September 2014

u do not need tylenol for braxton hicks.

southernyankeegirl · September 2014

I totally agree to have some water, a snack, and take some deep breaths. Stress can exacerbate it. Take a walk - that's what finally snapped me out of a series of BHs a few weeks ago.

If you have more than 4 in an hour, call your doctor just to confirm if they want to check your cervix (unlikely that it's an issue, but worth making sure they're BH and not doing anything dangerous like premature labor). If they get stronger and more frequent and at regular intervals, call your doctor.

Otherwise, hang in there! I think they were more uncomfortable at first because I was so worried. Now that it's been happening several times a day for over a month (apparently I have an "irritable uterus" which sounds appropriate for these cranky contractions) and I have had an ultrasound to confirm my cervix is long and closed like Fort Knox, I don't stress as much when it happens so it doesn't bug me as much.

Also, laying on my back makes it wayyyyy more frequent. Try taking a walk or lying on your side.

babyW15 · September 2014

Thank you ladies for the encouragement. Should I stop having sex? None of the BH are related to sex but I was just wondering if that could make them worse if we do.

Bigboneded · September 2014

I wouldn't, but you can ask your Dr if you want an official go ahead :-)

Mrs_Bennett · September 2014

@babyW15‌, unless your doctor has put you on pelvis rest, there is no medical reason to stop having sex while pregnant. Like the PPs said, BH are normal (and good for your uterus!), but they're usually not particularly painful. Uncomfortable? Yes, but not what I would describe as crampy. That being said, I'm only going from my own experiences, and we're all different! If you're really worried, call your doctor. Otherwise, just keep yourself hydrated, don't overdo is physically, and try to relax. Pregnancy really is hard, and there's nothing wrong with recognizing that and taking it easy at this point. The BH will most likely continue until you give birth, but shouldn't be cause for concern because they just mean that your uterus is practicing for labor (it's a muscle, and therefore, the practice is necessary for peak function!).

NatureLovers · September 2014

babyW15 said:
Thank you ladies for the encouragement. Should I stop having sex? None of the BH are related to sex but I was just wondering if that could make them worse if we do.

Unless directed otherwise by your doctor, pelvic rest is not necessary for BH. Even if they do get "worse", meaning more frequent after sex, it's not cause for alarm because run of the mill BH are perfectly normal and not harmful at all. It sounds like you really should have a discussion with your doctor about this to see if he/she can help set your mind at rest, as you seem to be really anxious or fearful about something that is totally normal and to be expected at this gestational age in your pregnancy.

Josie400 · September 2014

I know you said you aren't experiencing BH related to sex, but dont be freaked out if you feel a bit of tightening after orgasm. That's what the uterus naturally does, but it becomes more obvious as your uterus grows.

Jellybean707 · September 2014

Stargirlb said:

u do not need tylenol for braxton hicks.

This. I never had pain with BH. It was just a bit uncomfortable. Are you crying from pain or from anxiety? If the pain is bad enough that you are crying I would call the doctor/midwife.

LaBellaVida · September 2014

Pp are right. Lay off left side, drink water.
You don't need Tylenol for BH.

If they feel like period cramps and they come and go, and you've got more then 5 an hour, call your Ob, or labor and delivery.

Unless your Dr. Put you on pelvic rest, have all the sex you want.

Stargirlb · September 2014

I nursed throughout my last pregnancy and that would bring on Braxton hicks sometimes, especially at the end. I liked the sensation personally.

babyW15 · September 2014

Thanks again. I am not on pelvic rest and I was crying from anxiety not from pain. I feel much better now. Thanks again.

Jellybean707 · September 2014

babyW15 said:
Thanks again. I am not on pelvic rest and I was crying from anxiety not from pain. I feel much better now. Thanks again.

Glad you are feeling better! This is #2 for me and I still get overwhelmed/scared/anxious. Things usually feel better when I've had a chance to sleep on it.

robsbabygirl08 · September 2014

I feel like I get BH once or twice every hour throughout the day. I've never worried about them, I kinda like knowing that my body is preparing for the next phase ;-)

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