What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?

Updated on February 02, 2008
E.B. asks from Evanston, IL
8 answers

I'm 26 weeks pregnant with my second, and if I had Braxton Hicks contractions the first time around, I didn't know it. Since yesterday, I've been feeling occasional tightness and pressure around the lower part of my belly, just under my belly button. It doesn't hurt. (I should also mention that the baby is extremely active, almost to the point of being annoying! It's a pushy, feisty little 14-inch fetus.) Is this what the BH contractions are supposed to feel like? Also, when do you know to start paying attention to them? I've read if you have more than four in an hour, call your doctor. I think I had more than four in an hour last night, but then it stopped. Now my doctor's office is closed and I don't want to call the emergency number for nothing. So, more experienced moms, what do these things feel like?! I highly doubt this is anything to worry about, I'm just confused about what to do and how to know if it's ok to ignore it. Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all your info. I haven't really noticed them since I posted, but what you all said about dehydration, sudden movements and the baby being active makes a lot of sense and all probably explains why I felt them so much the other day. I'll continue to pay attention and mention it to my OB when I go in a couple weeks. I feel better, thanks!

More Answers

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K.

answers from Chicago on

I wasn't able to recognize my braxton-hicks until I was around 30 weeks last time. This pregnancy I started feeling them around 18 weeks because I knew what to look for. Yes, it feels like a "tightness" in your lower belly. If you push on your uterus it actually feels hard.

As for when to worry, if you can't really "feel" them, you don't need to worry. If you feel like you're getting a lot then make sure you're well hydrated etc. The concern is if you go into preterm labor. You'll know if this is the case - I promise :)

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B.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi E.,
I feel like I have some experience in this. My first was born premature and I was on bedrest from 26-35 weeks with my 2nd.

Here's what I know. Sudden movements (and even ones that are not so sudden) will cause a contraction (braxton hicks). If you are sitting down and you get up and you have one, that falls in the "normal" range. Going to the bathroom is also a time that you may get one and its "normal." What I was told was that if I get one, take it easy . . .sit down, drink some water or juice and see if it subsides. Oh and the active baby can also cause a contraction as well.

I hope this helps. Hang in there and try (ha, ha) to rest when you can. Enjoy your next few months!
B. :-)

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A.L.

answers from Chicago on

Hi E.,
Welcome to the mom of 2 club and congrats.
Yes, you are feeling contractions. I just delivered my 2nd son 10 months ago and had the same thing with the second pregnancy. My Dr. said that subsequent pregnancys experience them often and it is very normal...annoying, but normal. Kind of felt like very mild cramping. Once I went into labor at 38 weeks, that felt like bad cramping for about 1 day straight off and on before the mucus plug fell out and it was game on.

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

Sounds like braxton hicks. I would just mention it to your dr. next time. As long as they don't get harder/closer together don't be overly worried, but I would call to let them know if you do have more than 4 in an hour again and they are open. If they aren't open, I'd watch and see....lay down on your left side and drink some water...that is supposed to help calm them down. If they don't get away after that or get closer together or more uncomfortable, then I would call.

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J.P.

answers from Chicago on

It sounds like BH. I had them really early with my first pregnancy. It felt like a tightening and a rolling on my stomach. As long as they are random and don't cause pain they should be fine. I often thought I had more than 4 in an hour as well. I don't think a call to the doctor on Monday would hurt. If you get super concerned and really aren't sure just go to the ER.

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C.C.

answers from Chicago on

I would call your doctor and make an appointment. It might be BH, but it usually doesn't happen this early. I had my son premature at 27 weeks - and it is a very scary thing to go through. You will feel better if you follow up with your doctor. If it is BH, then that is fine. But better safe than sorry...

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T.G.

answers from Chicago on

I got them constantly with all of my pregnancies. They are normal, but I can understand your concern. If you start getting them regularly, like every ten minutes (which I did with all three and it would last hours) drink a glass of water and lie down on your left side. The bh should stop within the hour.

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N.S.

answers from Chicago on

those are them! You'll have them for the next month or two so don't just call anyone quite yet. It is very common to feel them early on with each progressive pregnancy. The first you don't usually feel it unless you are petite and slender. Enjoy these last few months!

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