Contractions - Cleveland,TX

I have been told to get moving when you feel them and if they go away they are BH but if they get stronger it's the REAL thing! I can't sympathize, I never had BH that I could feel. I woke up after having slight contractions all night, got in the shower (that is another way to tell) they got worse and I had a loooong labor. So this should be a good thing...hope for more, it's gotta mean shorter labor ;-) Good luck, you'll be great.

Good morning,

More than likely they are what you probably are familiar with "Braxton Hicks."
Should they become consistent (5-10 inbetween each contraction) then you can be sure that you are in labor if it doesn't stop and continues to intensify.

I hope this helps....It is always best to contact your doctor and inquire, especially if you have had a complicated pregnancy.

You need to keep an eye on them because yes it can happen. Just happened to my granddaugther and she ended up in the hospital and they stopped them but she still gave birth a month early. All is fine. Make sure you tell your doctor and if they become serious you will know. Good Luck.

Well I hope for your sake they are!! I had lots of contractions and they did nothing!!!!!!!!! Just time them, if they get to the point where they are at regular intervals and you can't talk through them, go to the hospital. If they are sporadic they might be helping you or might just be a nuisance!!;) Of course if you are unsure never worry about giving your dr a call or going to be checked, they know how it is at then end of pregnancy and they expect to be hearing from you;) Best wishes and congratulations!

These can definitely be real contractions (esp at 36 weeks). What you want to watch for is how frequently you are having them. Once you have them every 5 minutes, you are ready to get to the hospital. However, you also want to listen to your body. I had very painful contractions with my second child but they were very inconsistent, like yours. I would have one so bad that I had to sit down and couldn't talk but then I wouldn't have another one that bad for 2 days. When I went in for my appointment, I was at 4 cm. The contractions are probably dilating you.

I am 34 weeks pregnant and just went to the doctor the other day. I am having the same issue. She told me that if I have 4 contractions a hour then to call, but anything other than that is fine and nothing to worry about.
Good luck with your new baby.

Ooh, Braxton Hicks "contractions" are your friend! They're like practice contractions, and the more of them you have now, the shorter your labor is likely to be. I had them what felt like constantly in the final month.

The advice below is really good; err on the side of caution. If the contractions are regular or really frequent, head into the doc's. But breathe into any B-H contractions and relax.

Congratulations!

I agree with all previous posts; always call when in doubt, count the timing of contractions to see if they are regular, and I'd add - drink lots of water and try to sit as much as possible. If they are BH (totally normal), the water will help them dissipate. I had a TON of BH contractions with my second pregnancy, starting in month 6-7 and going right into the end, but I never went into labor (had a scheduled c-section). Hang in there, it's almost time!

If they come and go, are irregular and vary in strength I would say they are probably Braxton hicks, the thorn in every pregnant woman's side. If they continue on at a regular pace and increase in intensity, if you have and "show" and/or you are feeling concerned, I would call the Labour and Delivery department of the hospital you plan to deliver in.

Those nurses are excellent and deal with pregnant ladies from all stages with all kinds of experience. They can answer most of your questions and if they or you are in doubt they'll have you come in for a check. Remember Braxton hicks are normal, but at this point in your pregnancy it's always wise to air on the side of caution!

Good luck, hope all goes well!

It does sound like Braxton Hicks contractions to me. Those may come before actual labor contractions and are few and far between and very irregular.

Typically once regular contractions start you may get one every hour or 2 then they gradually get closer together. Most women say if you walk around it will keep the contractions coming and help speed things out. This is not true for everyone so once real labor starts you may want to try a variety of things. Like walking, rocking in a rocking chair, lying sitting up, lying on your side etc.

For me I was the complete opposite of any "usual" labor. When I walked my contractions stopped, as soon as I sat or lay down they started again.

Good luck!

If you are having at least 5 an a hour, then you should call your doctor. Otherwise, it is normal. Best Wishes!

Oh you will definitely know! If it's a dull pain in your lower back that progressively gets stronger and the pain moves to the front... those are real contractions! Timing is everything! Once you start feeling them look at the time. Time when they start time when they end. Time the time in between contractions. If it's consistent and the timing of the contractions are longer and the time in between are shorter... you better hope your bag is packed for the hospital. By the time you realize you're in labor, you'll start wishing they were Braxton Hicks lol You will also be in a lot of discomfort, like you just have to move to feel better, but then stop everything when the pain feels like it's taking your breath away. Braxton Hicks or the real deal, walk walk walk. Walk around your house or around the block, up and down stairs and then take a shower. Walking will help with the progression of dilating and the shower will help you relax (which also helps in dilating).

Good Luck to you and Congrats!

You need to eat something and go for a walk, if they stop then they are not contractions, if they continue after an hour, then yes my friend you are in labor.

You can usually tell if they're real contractions by how far apart they are. If the timing is consistant, say approximately an hour apart, they're real.