Braxton-Hicks

kinnonam · October 2015

Any FTM experiencing Braxton hicks contractions or what they think maybe them? The past couple nights on and off I'll wake up with what seems to be this intense cramping/pressure. It doesn't seem to last that long but it's enough to jolt me out of bed. Anyone else going threw this or current mamas could this be Braxton hicks?

AggieKim · October 2015

I'm not sure about BH but I've had contractions that feel more like a tightening and a pressure change within my body since like 16 weeks or so. I had the same with my first and they called them contractions, not BH, but luckily they're not as frequent as they were with my son. Just watch them and make sure they don't occur too frequently. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water.

cMichelle0423 · October 2015

For me, Braxton hicks have always been just a tightening feeling. No pain, but some discomfort. Definitely not a sensations strong enough to wake me up. Everyone is different though of course. Just try not to over do it and make sure you're staying plenty hydrated. Typically you should be drinking half your body weight in ounces, AT LEAST. If you feel like it's not BH, it may be worth a trip to the ER or OB's office to get monitored to make sure they're not real contractions.

malaki1418 · October 2015

My BH are a painless tightening that subsides in less than 30 secs or so...ftm

Shatzegirl · October 2015

Hmm, there shouldn't be pain associated with them - just tightening/pressure. Have you been really active lately? Drink a bunch of water and call your doctor if they keep up.

kinnonam · October 2015

Shatzegirl said:
Hmm, there shouldn't be pain associated with them - just tightening/pressure. Have you been really active lately? Drink a bunch of water and call your doctor if they keep up.

I know for a fact that it's not a water thing I drink more than I should lol I love water! As far as my activity level I'm always jogging or walking with my dog. Think that could be to much at this point? Should I stick to walking? I wouldn't say that it's a painful feeling it's just very sudden and abrupt.

wisco29 · October 2015

kinnonam said:
Any FTM experiencing Braxton hicks contractions or what they think maybe them? The past couple nights on and off I'll wake up with what seems to be this intense cramping/pressure. It doesn't seem to last that long but it's enough to jolt me out of bed. Anyone else going threw this or current mamas could this be Braxton hicks?

Drink water and rest, typically helps reduce them

jmjarling · October 2015

I get them at night too! Since I dont drink to much water at night so I'll wake use the bathroom lay back down and notice a cramp from under my belly to my mid back sometimes they hurt so bad I'll lay in the fetal position for 20-30 mins
.... I'll drink some water lay on my side with my body pillow that helps...(and my husband rubs my belly or back which is so relaxing)... Or ill get the same pains if im constipated or need to poop tmi but its the truth! I told my doctor and was told there Braxton hicks and drink water they'll go away....im also FTM 24 weeks

Twindling · October 2015

I get them EVERY time my bladder is even remotely full. It's quite annoying.

kinnonam · October 2015

Thank you ladies this is so comforting, I do feel them more so at night so I've started sleeping with water next to me. But I do feel better I'm not alone!

Shatzegirl · October 2015

kinnonam said:

Shatzegirl said:
Hmm, there shouldn't be pain associated with them - just tightening/pressure. Have you been really active lately? Drink a bunch of water and call your doctor if they keep up.
I know for a fact that it's not a water thing I drink more than I should lol I love water! As far as my activity level I'm always jogging or walking with my dog. Think that could be to much at this point? Should I stick to walking? I wouldn't say that it's a painful feeling it's just very sudden and abrupt.

Some Braxton hicks are normal because your uterus is practicing for the real deal. As long as they don't get frequent/regular, you're probably ok. I had one last weekend that took my breath away and made me lean over because it was so intense. That's great you're drinking so much water!

I'm not sure about the jogging. I would think it'd be ok if it was something you did before getting pregnant and have been doing during pregnancy but I'd double check with your doctor to be sure. Walking is always a good bet, though.

blueberrymomma · October 2015

Ok so this is going to sound dumb but I never had Braxton Hicks with DD and was induced so never went into labor naturally and had such bad back labor I couldn't feel the contractions in my belly. So I don't know what they feel like.
I've been having a tightening sensation but I also get this cramping pain. It's not deep like a gas cramp it's at the surface and all over. I saw one of the other doctors in my practice last week and she just tested me for a UTI(which I had all the time with DD and knew it wasn't one)
I definitely drink a lot of water and when I lay down I usually feel better. Has anyone else experienced this I know most said Braxton Hicks isn't painful

jmjarling · October 2015

I would continue to jog as long as you keep up with water....and your doctor isnt concerned.... I cross fit and run still and yet get Braxton hicks at night....

Achae · October 2015

My labor contractions felt just like my really bad period cramps. I never experienced BH, although I've heard if you rest, have water and they go away, they're BH and not contractions.

sarame500 · October 2015

I had one (I believe) about two weeks ago at 23 weeks. It was a rough week for me...I had headaches, was dehydrated, etc. As a teacher, I'm constantly on my feet. I don't think I was taking care of myself as much as I should have been. While sitting at my desk, I felt an intense tightening that came and went in 15ish seconds. Of course, I freaked out a bit, but once I got home, I looked up BH and felt somewhat better.

My advice is pretty much what everyone else says. Drink plenty of water and STAY hydrated! This has helped me immensely. Also, take advantage of sitting with your feet up when you're relaxing at home. I wouldn't stop jogging, but don't push yourself too much. And, most importantly, call your doctor at any point if you're concerned!

ayokay516 · October 2015

Just some advice.

BH don't USUALLY hurt, but they can. Don't let anyone tell you that a BH contraction doesn't feel like 'real' contractions because they can. That's not to say they that if one hurt, all of them will. Every BH is different. Some last 5 seconds, some can last a full minute or more. Some can be just a tightening sensation, others can make you have to stop and really breathe through it.

The difference is consistency. If they are consistent, happening at regular time intervals (meaning every 3-5 minutes, not at 2pm everyday), and laying down on your left side and drinking at least 24oz of water over the course of 1 hour doesn't make them stop, then those are real contractions.

camusoh2011 · October 2015

/\ that! Mine have been hurting a lot this time around! To the point that as a TTM I've gone to L&D twice to be monitored. Sometimes they were real sometimes they were BH. Honestly, you have to trust your gut as far as talking to your doc or being checked out.

britsknits11 · November 2015

Mind have been incredibly strong this time around and will hurt. The difference between bh contractions and labor (for me) is the intensity for a bh is usually just in my stomach or in only one area of my stomach. Labor was totally different with where the cramping began, how long it lasted and how intense they were. Plus with labor I had a lot of forceful pressure from my sons head moving down.
I also suggest water and laying on your side for about 30 min. If you start having a lot, keep track of how far apart they are and how long they last. It's always better to go in and get checked if they're becoming more frequent. Mine ended up becoming preterm labor last time and I had to have magnesium to stop my son from coming at 32 weeks.

Kiek · November 2015

I get them. With my first they weren't painful, just tightening. This time they are quite painful. But they are irregular and they go away with water and rest.

lubaTO · November 2015

I'm having them daily. It's an intense tightening for me. Sometimes it's just on one side, does that happen to anyone?

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