Unsure of what I'm feeling?

codeeye · March 2016

hello ladies, I tried to use the search feature and lurk around but couldn't really find an answer to my question.

Im 34 weeks 6 days, this is my first pregnancy that has made it past second trimester so I haven't ever experienced contractions or labour or any of the fun things going on in the third trimester. I know that Braxton hicks contractions can be expected and rather common, but I'm unsure if that's what is going on?

Basically a few times this afternoon my stomach/lower back have felt a bit crampy. If I'm being honest Each time I have sort of thought that maybe I needed to have a BM. I go to go to the washroom and after about a minute or so that sensation is gone. It doesn't hurt necessarily, but it has happened twice in the last half hour or so and so it seems more frequent. My babe has been head down for 3-4 weeks already and lately I am getting A LOT of lightning crotch. But I'm really not sure what Braxton hicks feel like so I'm unsure if that's what happening or if I'm just over reacting!

In your experience what do the Braxton hicks feel like? thanks!

ruggles0909 · March 2016

As your pregnancy progresses, Braxton hicks can become more uncomfortable. However, if you're uncertain, calling your doctor is advised. Labor and pregnancy is different for everyone.

JoMunson · March 2016

I'm 34 weeks and I've been feeling something similar. I asked my midwife and she said the rule of thumb is if you have LOW BELLY cramps that DONT GO AWAY at all if you drink water, move around, take a bath, etc then call. My BH contractions come every day, but if I drink a little water, take a nap, or change my position, they're usually gone within 10 minutes.

DanandVan · March 2016

That sounds more like real contractions to me (or just regular bowel type stuff). Braxton hicks feel like a suffocating tightness higher up on your belly (at least in my experience, 4th pregnancy here). Feel your belly next time it happens: does it feel round and hard like a basketball? That is what my belly feels like during bracton hicks.
Keep us posted! And don't be shy to call your Dr!

JennyS86 · March 2016

I would go ahead and time your cramps/contractions. If you are having more than 4-6 per hour (depending on your doctor's advice), give your OB a call. Does your OB have a nurse line? Describe exactly what you are feeling, and let them decide if they want to see you, whether in the office or the LDR.

How are you feeling today?

Lisa2742 · March 2016

I am 31 weeks and I have been experiencing BH for the passed couple of weeks but they are not painful. My bump just gets very hard and they last for a few seconds to a minute. I would call your doctor or midwife if your are very uncomfortable and to ease your mind.

JessicaB0627 · March 2016

My LO is head down and low in my pelvis and it has caused a lot of pressure and cramps for me. I also feel sometimes like I need to have a BM, but nothing happens. Call your doctor if you're concerned. They'll probably want to check you for dilation/effacement.

cortney626 · March 2016

I'm 34w2d and have been experiencing lower back cramps the last day or so. Along with pain down low (maybe round ligament pain) and Braxton Hicks (tightening on top of uterus). Nothing is consistent nor can be timed. LO has been head down and low for a couple weeks now.

codeeye · March 2016

Thanks for the replies ladies! Everything seemed to settle down and I did call the nurse line to ask what they thought. They said if it happens again to go in if its frequent (more than 4 times an hour they said) and that there was a possibility it was real contractions as opposed to Braxton hicks. I have an appointment on Wednesday and they said they will check me then if they don't see me before hand. Since I have had no other real signs of labour thy weren't overly concerned. Especially since it seemed to resolve itself and LO is still wiggling away in there!