3rd Trimester

Braxton Hicks Question

Hi All, I just was curious on what you guys think about this situation. I am a FTM and for some things I’m just clueless about.  And I’ll preface it by saying yes I did call my doctor but I believe they are on lunch so I left a message. They have a backup number but every time I call it, no one answers it.

So I’ve had Braxton hicks before and I drank water, rested, etc and they went away. Today it’s a little different. I’ve been getting these small sporadic cramps, which I’m assuming is BH but wasn’t sure because it’s been all morning. They’re not really consistent and they’re pretty mild. And baby is moving around so I wasn’t too concerned but I felt I should run it by my doc. To top it off I already haven’t felt right today, this morning I felt a little light headed and nauseous and hungry. I ate something and it passed, then my stomach started to hurt. I just can’t win!

Anyway I guess my concern is if I should be going to the ER, but it just didn’t seem to warrant the trip. Any  thoughts?

Re: Braxton Hicks Question

  • I think it's normal.  I'm also a FTM and have been feeling a lot of the same things off and on for the past couple of weeks, my doctor told me it's all fine. It's good that you called but I don't think it deserves a trip to the ER.  If anything I would to see what your Doctor says

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  • Thanks!
    They actually just called me. He said as long as I don't have 6 or more in an hour I should be fine. If I get that many in an hour or less than I have to go to triage to be monitored. Its been about an hour now since I've felt anything so I think I'm okay.
  • May I ask you what a Braxton Hicks contraction feels like?  I am 32 weeks and I don't think I've had one.  Would I know if I have had one?  Are yours painful?

    Thanks in advance!

    P.S. I'm glad you're feeling better and the doctor doesn't seem concerned!
  • I was told on the hospital tour that we just took this past Saturday to follow the 5-1-1 rule. Contractions are exactly 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, and this has occurred for 1 hour. The issue is once you call your Dr, they are going to encourage you to go in. The only problem is that you will be hooked up to machines and monitors, very uncomfortable, just to be sent home hours later. Braxton Hicks hurt, but they are mostly on the surface of your tummy if that makes sense. But real contractions mostly feel like menstrual cramps. They get more and more intense as time move on. Also, BH contractions are very inconsistent. Even if they are 5 minutes apart, they may last 1 minute, then 1 minute 30 seconds...... the BH are so inconsistent to the point they do not dilate you or progress you at all. 
  • So mine felt like menstrual cramping, which I explained to the doc. I just assumed they were BH. I  honestly don't think I drank enough water that morning. Even though I was drinking throughout the day. They weren't really painful either, they were mild, I could tough them out, I was just highly concerned since even though they were far apart I got them all morning.

    @Semperfine: Thank you, your description was actually really helpful. I don't like to make unnecessary trips to the ER if I don't have to, so its good to have an idea as to what to look for. This is always why I felt calling my doc first was a better idea.
  • I get BH at least 5 times a day - I did with my first pregnancy too.  They are totally normal.  You will know if it's a BH or a contraction.  
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  • i get BH ongoing, at 40 weeks now. everyone tells me though that you'll know when it's the real deal. overnight i get "different" ones but it's still not feeling like a switch. should be OK!
  • Ktrego said:
    May I ask you what a Braxton Hicks contraction feels like?  I am 32 weeks and I don't think I've had one.  Would I know if I have had one?  Are yours painful?

    Thanks in advance!

    P.S. I'm glad you're feeling better and the doctor doesn't seem concerned!
    for me it is a tightening of the belly (hard as forehead) and when it's over softens (soft as chin). as the weeks progressed cramping accompanied it, but very mild like a period cramp. some people never feel them though!
  • Ktrego said:
    May I ask you what a Braxton Hicks contraction feels like?  I am 32 weeks and I don't think I've had one.  Would I know if I have had one?  Are yours painful?

    Thanks in advance!

    P.S. I'm glad you're feeling better and the doctor doesn't seem concerned!
    for me it is a tightening of the belly (hard as forehead) and when it's over softens (soft as chin). as the weeks progressed cramping accompanied it, but very mild like a period cramp. some people never feel them though!
    This is mine- I also noticed that staying hydrated helps then be less severe. 
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