No Braxton Hicks Contractions?

I can really only speak from personal experience and a little research here:

When I was pregnant with my first I had ZERO braxton-hicks contractions and I went into labor 11 days after my due date--no inducement, no problems. Don't worry. My midwife said it is very common with the first one. I am now full term with my second and have experienced many of these braxton-hicks in the past weeks and quite frankly, I would prefer to not have them at all--they keep me up ALL night. So in that case, you can consider yourself blessed. I would also be curious as to how long past her due date your mother was before having a c-section. I have known many women to go the natural approach and wait sometimes up to 3 or so weeks post due date (with no problems) before going into labor (a due date is really just an estimate anyway and a very high percentage of women deliver past that on their first). The average is anywhere from 38 to 42 weeks. If you are not willing to wait it out (regardless of what the dr says) then you may indeed be told you need a c-section or labor induction just because you go past your due date. I wouldn't worry and let nature take it's course. Your body DOES know what to do--it was created for this. Plus you have a few weeks to go and might start to feel a few of these "tugs" as the due date approaches. Don't stress because that can slow everything down. Everything will be okay. Best wishes for you and that baby!

You can totally have them and not even know. It'll be like you whole stomach just got rock hard and then releases. sometimes all you will feel is slight muscle twitching. My Braxton Hicks didn't start till last week - some ppl never experience them! It is not an indicator of anything! I know with the first one it is nerve wracking. Every little move at this point makes you go "oh is this it?!" Give it another week or two, but even if you never feel a thing it doesn't mean anything. Congrats!!!!! It is so exciting and there is nothing in the world like your first look at that precious new little one.

Braxton hicks contractions can be different for everyone. With my first I would get them strong and hard a few times thinking I was in labor. I would get to the doctor only to find out they weren't the "real thing." Yet when I went into actual labor and my contractions were a minute every five minutes, I couldn't feel a thing.

It is natural to fear a C-section. I can't really recommend anything that will guarantee a natural delivery as I am sure no one can. But can say that as long as your doc is checking you out and nothing seems to be wrong, chances are you'll be fine when it comes time to deliver.

Hello Lucy,

you probably have plenty of BH contractions but do not feel them. They are usually not painful. And if you are very active you may not notice them at all. I read that you are an avid rider, so you probably have rather strong core muscles, which can change your perception of contractions. I only ever felt them when I was very still and "looking" for them.
The best way to avoid a c-section is not to have your doctor talk you into a scheduled c-section or induction for his convenienence. In addition women who give birth without pain medication are less likely to experience complications and medical interventions.
Good luck!

Don't worry too much about it - you may have a high tolerance level for pain.

I had my kid at 35 weeks - via c-section breach and no fluid - I never had any contractions braxton hicks or otherwise. However I was in the hospital two 1/2 weeks prior with a Non stress test 3 times a day - according to the test I was having slight contractions - but did I notice - not once.

Anyway - try not to worry about it. My other advice is try not to worry too much about the chance of a C-section - remember healthy mom and baby are really the best outcome regardless of how you get there.

Some people have braxton hicks contractions, some don't. I don't think it is any indicator of whether you will go into labor or not. I have only had a few that I can remember. I was induced once, and was able to give birth normally and went into labor on my own with the other three. There are so many things to worry about with a new baby. You should put your mind at ease about this one. Unfortunately, as far as labor and delivery is concerned, your baby dictates what happens more than anything you can do.

I can't remember exactly, but I don't think I felt any really regular baxton hicks contractions until a couple weeks before my due date. Every once in a while I would feel small ones, just kinda a tightening of the belly muscles, no pain, just kinda like a muscle twitch but it lasts longer. Starting a couple weeks before my due date they were always kinda in the background with a good n' painful one every now and then.

I wouldn't be too worried. I didn't notice any contractions with my first child until the day he was born. I was oblivious to the contractions with my second child, because I thought it was just him pushing. I found out otherwise, when I had gone in for a test. I hope this helps! S.

Hi, Lucy. I wouldn't worry. With my first child, i never felt a single contraction of any kind until suddenly I went into hard labor 5 days before my due date! Then with my second and third kids, I had contractions for three weeks before finally going into labor after my due date. Go figure! Good luck and God bless!

Hi Lucy,
With my first child, I haven't ever felt any braxton hicks, it's nothing to worry about, if you have them then you have them, kinda way. Some people has them and some people don't. When you do have them, then you will know, because with my 2nd child i had them like through 38 weeks until i had her. All it is, is just your body getting ready to have contractions and to be ready. But you may get them at the very end.

K., Fairbanks, Alaska.

I went into labor at the beginning of my 37th week and as far as I remember I didn't have any BH contractions, unless they were subtle enough that I just didn't pay attention. I had a vaginal birth with no problems.

I never felt any braxton hicks contractions either with my son. He was about 1 week late and 30 hours of labor, but he did finally come on out without a C section. Best of luck!

Lucy,

Yes it is normal to never have braxton-hicks. I had two kids and never had braxton-hicks, they were both born on their due dates as well. If your OB says everything is fine then believe them, don't stress yourself out. I don't know about C sections personally but they have come along way and you can go on to have your next kid vaginally.
I remember your husband is out so hopefully you have someone to help you when the baby comes. K.

Lucy,
I didn't have or felt any Braxton Hicks for my last pregnancy. My midwife said that some women just dont feel them.

I didn't have any until the very end of my pregnancy and even then I couldn't feel them unless I happened to have my hand on my belly and felt it get really hard. I ended up being induced for pre-toxemia, but still was able to have a non-medicated vaginal delivery thanks to my wonderful midwife!

No worries, I never had any braxton hicks contractions with my 1st child until I was 38 weeks and on vacation. Then I never had another until I was 40 weeks and it was the real deal. I wish you the best!

Hi Lucy:

I had my wonderful little girl on February 2, 2008. I have never experienced any Braxton-Hicks whatsoever, but still went into labor naturally (and kind of unexpected) a few days before her due date. So don't worry and enjoy your pain-free pregnancy!

Good luck for your delivery! Cheers S.

Lucy,
I never had any either. Well I might have but like you said it was my first so I probably didn't know what they felt like. I have heard women getting them a lot and very painful. But the only thing I experienced was little minor cramps like menstrual cramps. As long as you are going to your regular dr apts I wouldn't worry if they say everything is ok.

I had my son a week early, and my water broke naturally.
Good luck, and dont worry I am sure you are doing just fine. :)

WIth my first one I never felt the braxton hix contractions. I was 36 when I had him. I had a 4 hour labor and had him completely natural. With my second I was 40 and they monitored me weekly and the only reason I know I had the braxton hix contractions is that they could see them on the monitor. I was in labor for 6 hours with her and had her naturally too.

Everyone is different and you just may not be feeling them--no worries:)

I think it is normal. I don't think I ever had them with either of my children and they were both full term. My doctor explained what they would feel like, but I never really felt them. Just hang in there and don't worry. Consider yourself lucky you are still comfortable :)

Not to worry (of course you will worry anyway, that is just part of being a mom). I didn't really feel any Braxton Hicks until about a week before with either of my kids. Both were delivered naturally and on their due dates.

You are doing fine! Talk to your Doctor about it the next time you see him/her.

Just a suggestion..write your questions down on a paper when you go to the Doctor otherwise you might forget.

I wouldn't worry. I never got them with my first either. With my second, I don't think I ever got them either, not sure. I induced both of my babies and neither were a C! Good Luck.

I didn't have any noticable Braxton Hicks contractions with either of my pregnancies, and I went into labor on my own both times. I think it's also common not to notice them during your first pregnancy. Don't worry! Best of luck for a smooth delivery!

I never had then with my boys. Don't worry. I went from 2 cent. to 4 over night without a single contraction! I went in for my induction and found out I was dilating even though I had not felt any contractions. Our bodies are such strange and wonderful things, you are growing a baby, try not to worry so much!

I actually went into labor at 35 weeks with my first and didn't really know it. I had a backache and when I called the doctor he said to get to the hospital IMMEDIATELY! Lucky he did because I was dialated to 3 cm and went on immediate bed rest for 3 weeks. My point is that at 34 weeks I wouldn't worry about not feeling any contractions. You may not ever feel any braxton hicks contractions.

I don't believe I had any with either of mine. I did end up having C-Sections, but went ino labor with my first (He was posterior and wouldn't come out) and the other was planned.

i wouldnt worry about it you might get them as you get closer to your due date i didnt have any till the week i was due.good luck to you

I never had any barxton hicks that I felt. I wouldn't worry too much. =)

Lucy,

It could be that you have a high enough pain tolerance that you're not feeling them. I know I have a high pain tolerance and with my son I dilated to 6 cm at home feeling like I was having really bad cramps. He wound up being an almost-not-quite emergency C-section. My daughter was a planned C-section and as they were prepping me for the surgery the docs looked at me and said, "Do you know you're having contractions right now?" I didn't feel a thing.

Hope this helps,
Melissa

My girlfriend amazed me, when she was prego with her first she would brag that she didnt have any. I got them bad with all three. She had her first one which broke her water two days after her dd. So yes it is possible to go your whole pregnancy without feeling them. That wasnt just a freak thing for her either. she had her second last august and the samething happened. two days after her dd she had one hicks and that broke her water!! good luck and hang in there!!

I did not get Braxton-hicks until my third. This is your first. I would not worry. You are doing well.

Hi Lucy,

I have two young boys and I never had a single braxton hicks contraction with either of them. My first son was born 4 days before my due date. With my second pregnancy, my water broke at 36 weeks. I did have c-sections for both boys and I had wonderful experiences. Both of my recoveries were so easy and I could not have hoped for a better experience! Plus I have two healthy boys to show for it! In my opinion, c-sections are not so bad if you need to have one.

Take care and best of luck,
JJ

I have had 2 kids and never once had any type of contractions. Braxton or otherwise. I have to share this story with you though. Just something to think about. It can and does happen. My first child, almost 10 years ago now, was very calm in the womb and after 3 miscariages I think I was teh queen of being worried. I never really felt her move or kick. Ever. I bought one of those baby heart monitors and had to listen every night just to reassure myself that everything was ok. At every check up I was told the baby was fine. The last few weeks of my pregnancy when you go to the dr's every week and see several different dr's every single dr told me everything was great the baby was in position, head down and ready. But, the week before my due date, on my last day at work, I started bleeding. Of course scared to death I rushed to the dr. Again, he confirms everything is just fine, the baby is in position but he's not sure why I am bleeding. (remember this was almost 10 years ago now) so the doc sends me to the hospital to get double checked. I was there for several hours while they were trying to reach my dr who was conviently off that day to ask him if he wanted to get an ultra sound. Finally 6 hours later I am getting an ultra sound. With this baby we didn't want to know the sex so as I am telling the ultra sound tech this she is telling me everything looks fine and I am not in labor and the bleeding is nothing to worry about. Then she says something I wasn't expecting at all. She asks me when I have my C-section scheduled for.?! Ummm, what?? I said, What c-section? why would I have that scheduled? I told her how every dr the past few weeks are telling me the baby is in position and she looks at me and says, well your baby is breech, and has been that way for a long time. I just wanted to cry. the last thing I wanted was a c-section. I was so scared. My very first ultra sound I had with this one they told me the baby was breech but not to worry since there was plenty of time for it to turn around. Well she didn't. that is why I never felt her move. she wedged herself in there so good there wasn't enough room to move. So long story short. she told me to go home and call the dr tomorrow to schedule my c-section and then she left the room while I got up off the table to get ready to go back up to my room but when I stood up I patted my belly and wispered "oh please turn around, I don't want to have a c-section" and wouldn't you know it? the stubborn little thing didn't want to listen to me and my water broke all over the floor. 2 hours later I had myself a little baby girl. It was scary but a piece of cake. my 2nd pregnancy, well, complete opposite. he was all over the place. kickiing, punching and doind summersaults constantly. Oh, and he had to be c-section too. seems that area is too small for me to ever deliver natural. theres just not enough room for the baby to drop. so, bottom line, I wouldn't worry too much but you might want to double check next time you are at the dr to make sure your baby isn't breech and they don't know it. :)

You have already had many responses, but I just wanted to add that I had zero braxton hicks contractions with my first pregnancy. Went on to deliver 5 days after the due date. This time around, at 37 weeks, I have had a ton, and they are not fun! One thing I am trying this time is to drink raspberry leaf tea. It is supposed to tone your uterus in preparation for childbirth. You could look for it at your local health food store or get it at www.bulkherbs.com (Red Raspberry brew)

I didn't have BH until a couple of weeks before my daughter was born. With my son, I had them for months and months. I got so tired of them! I wouldn't worry yet.

I had no braxton hicks contractions with my first. I had them for three weeks with my second. Remember every woman is different and every delivery is different. Keep active and healthy and you will be fine.

Hi there -
I didn't have any either, or any that I felt. I had to go in and be on a fetal monitor due to my elevated blood pressure (baby was fine, it was just a precaution to double check). Point is, it showed I was having small contractions, but I just wasn't feeling them or attributing the "flutters" I was having to contractions. Also my contractions when I went into labor where minor, minor, minor (could talk and ignore them and thought what is the big deal?), BAM BOOM (not that case at all)and my labor went really quickly after that. Hope that puts you at ease! And I hope things go well for you! Take care

I never had any braxton hicks contractions, and delivered my first two vaginally and the 3rd was by emergency c-section due to a prolapsed cord. They happen if they happen when they happen. Everyone's pregnancy is different, because our bodies and our babies are all different. There's a range of what's considered normal, you're in it. When labor kicks (and I do mean kicks) in, you'll know it. You're seeing your ob about every 2 weeks now, pretty soon it will be weekly. He/She can tell you what to expect at the end of each appt. Relax, get some rest. Your hours of rest and sleep are going to change drastically. Stock up on the rest now. Do all those little odd jobs around the house. Make meals ahead and freeze them. Get the nursery done and all the baby clothes washed and put away. Stock up on those personal items you'll need when you come home and all the stuff necessary to diaper and bathe the baby, as well as getting all the laundry soap, disposable diapers (or diaper service ordered). Use this down time to get all the little things done so when those contractions start for the real thing you'll be ready. Happy and health delivery!!

Lucy,

I wouldn't worry. I didn't have braxton hicks contractions with my first baby, either. I started having regular contractions that were about 10 minutes apart 3 days before she was born, which was very frustrating because I got no sleep for 3 days. I opted for the epideral just so I could take a nap before delivery. Now, really glad I did as the delivery was pain free.

My mom and my husband's mom were really early with all their babies and mine was a week late, so I don't think your mom's history always determines what will happen for you. I am now pregnant with my second, due March 15th and have not had any contractions. I hope all goes well with you and your pregnancy.

-J.

See, and I got cramps (contractions) noticeably like every couple of days starting around five months with my first, and spent that whole time worrying she would be premature, LOL! (And THEN she went really really late!).

On the 'never went into labor'/Csection thing,
1) stress literally prevents labor (adrenaline and the labor hormone can't coexist, more or less) ... so the more pressure that is on a woman/the less she trusts the situation she is in, the more impossible it is to even go into labor. And the more likely it is to "stall." And the more likely an induction (which I am growly about as an entire concept) won't "work." And stress can certainly be from family situation, not just medical procedures and attitudes: with my last child I went into labor "on time" but then family I didn't want showed up and it stopped. For three weeks(!). And then it came back (when I had a rare day completely to myself) and was done very efficiently ... I think five hours later.
2) a study in the 90s in Australia (where they still had enough non-induced moms to be able to study them) showed that gestations left to go to term, for first time moms, AVERAGED 11 days "over" due. Many hospitals in America won't "let" moms go past a week before inducing (so they can't be sued for a postterm baby, which is actually medically rare--postterm means not, "after the due date," but actually, "the placenta is done and has started to calcify"--which does happen and does cause the baby medical problems and sometimes death, but it is not something you measure by how long the baby is taking to be ready to be born, it is something you measure BY DISTRESS ... heartrate issues, lack of movement, etc.). Some midwives I have talked to suspect that the beginning of calcification and labor might be related as processes--certainly it would make some sense, body-efficiency-wise.
3) I (thank goodness) got an interesting piece of Old Wives Wisdom when I was pregnant with my first, which I have only heard from one woman but she had heard it from several in the generation beofre her--that gestation is 9x your 'monthly' cycle, and should not be judged by the average 40 weeks. (My cycle was very long and that baby and I gestated very late. My later cycles--and pregnancies--were more 'normal.')

Anyhow, I just don't personally (and I Am Not A Doctor, etc etc disclaimer) believe in the whole "she wouldn't go into labor" thing ... I think probably those cases can nearly universally be traced either to not waiting for the natural proper length of gestation or to the lack of proper care for the mother (or of course in many cases, the mother not choosing to be in trust situations ... certainly this slowed down my first birth, which went 38 hours with four hours of pushing, and let me tell you now that I see it was from not having trust in my caregivers, well ... I definitely would choose more trustworthy people or choose to properly trust the people I was with (and myself(!)), because 38 hours is not something I'd wish on anyone!!)

I believe, if it is worth anything to you ;), that you will go into labor just fine if you and the people around you will trust the process :).

May God bless you and yours. Namaste.

I never had them with my daughter and went into labor on my own. I had a beautiful birth--no cesarean.

I don't think you need to worry. I never had any BH's with my first. NONE! My water broke at 36 weeks, I had a fabulous delivery and healthy baby!

Congratulations on your baby!