Pregnancy Issues

I had them with my first, and then they were way more intense with my second. Bordering on painful. I would get them if I walked more than 30 or 40 feet. Going to the food store or the mall was horrible. I had to stop all the time. Doc said it was just my body telling me to slow down. She told me to make my husband do more for me. Yeah, right, in my dreams.

I was exactly the same as Allyson B.'s comment below...except I gave birth 2 days early of her due date. Totally normal! And it is still remarkable to me how brakton hicks felt nothing like labor pains at all!!

i had considerably more of those issues with my second child than first, and they started much earlier. twice i actually thought i was in early labor and was panicing. she ended up going to 39 weeks, so i guess all was ok. good luck!

I agree with Lorraine B. Drink more water (up to a gallon a day they recommend) and tell your dr. so you can go for a non stress test to make sure everything is okay.

Hi T.,

I had the most Braxton Hicks with our 3rd...maybe it happens more and more with each pregnancy??

Enjoy that baby - I'd love a 4th - good for you!

J.

T.,
Each pregnancy is different. With my 4th baby I too had alot of Braxton Hicks. More than the other pregnancies. Usually they would subside with change. If you are too active relax and you should see them fade away. Dehydration can cause braxton Hicks. Be sure to drink more water and you should reduce them. Call your doctor and let them know how frequent they occur. They may want to do a non stress test to make sure everything is okay

Yes it's normal. Your body is getting itself ready. If you are that concerned about it and they seem to get worse, see your doctor.

Nanc

braxton hicks contractions are totally normal.

I had some with my second child and was told that the more pregnancies you have the more commor they are. However, CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU ARE CONCERNED. Better safe than sorry! Congratulations!!!! A.

Please call your doctor. The other advise you got was fabulous. Lay down, drink plenty of fluids, and relax. If the contractions establish a pattern or become closer together, then it could be more than Braxton Hicks contractions, this is why you need the advise of your doctor.

With my 2nd it started at 28 weeks, I was reassured by my Dr. that it was normal. Annoying, but normal, they will intensify as you go along also- just an FYI.. Good luck!

Well, it's no wonder your experiencing them you have 3 other kids. Usually when your having them it means your being to active and haven't eaten or drank enough. When they start try and lay down, on your left side (I know impossible with your other kids), and drink a full glass of water. If you need to pop in a movie and lay on the couch. But alot of the time it's a sign that you need to slow down. So when they start, take a breather, send the kids to play in another room (if possible) and rest. You gonna need your energy when you have 4.

yes, this is normal. my dr. told me that braxton hicks are happening throughout the pregnancy actually as the uterus tones itself to prepare for delivery, but often they are not intense enough to perceive. i have only had one baby, but i felt braxton hicks contractions for most of my pregnancy and from very early on. in my third trimester, the contractions would be so intense that i could actually see the outline of my baby through my belly. they woke me up nearly every night at that point. i delivered at 40 weeks, 3 days. hope this helps. A.

It has been my experience that you experience more of these contractions with each pregnancy. Maybe you just notice them more ,I dont know, but it is pretty normal. I have had 6 pregnancies.

T.,

Every child is different - every pregnancy has that possibility too. You don't mention your age here - that might be a factor. I had a fair amount toward the end, but not at 30 weeks.

Were it me, I would let the OB know, and they can decide if you should come in and be monitored or anything.

Technically, it's normal. :) Doesn't make it any less disconcerting, though.

Good Luck,
M.

I had them all the time with my son. Just be sure you are drinking enough water, as dehydration can cause increased contractions.

my friend just had her 3rd baby 3 weeks ago and she had a lot of BH's too. doc told her that that happens when you have more pregnacies. she also told her that she has to drink more water, and she was right, they eased up right away. so maybe try drinking "too much" water. and of course talk to your dr. if you are concerned. good luck

how old are you ? Very common hen you get older!! Plus drink a lot of WATER!! will help!

Hi T.,
Always when in doubt call your doctor...better safe than sorry! But to answer your question...by the time I had my 5th son I was in tears by 7pm every night because I was so tired and everything ached from my head to my toes, I had braxton hicks all the time (which until then I thought were bogus...never had them with the other four boys)seriously I was running all day long with the other 4, school, prek, the library...not to mention the errands, laundry, and cleaning. My advice is let your husband carry the laundry baskets, stop picking up the other kids as much, do you grocery shopping online(if this is offered in your area)have your other kids clean the toilets(mine love to use those disposable wands) and anything else they can do....only vac-um once a week....These don't have to be life changes forever just cut back til after the baby is a couple weeks old and the doctor says you are in the clear....and depending on how you feel about it, 1/2 a glass of wine (every now and then....not everyday :) really will relax you and baby and as long as you don't overdo it won't hurt baby a bit. I hope you feel better soon!

Call your doctor. It's probably completely fine, but you freaking out and being really anxious won't help you relax and get some rest! I called my doc a bunch from 30 weeks on, and the nurses were always very understanding!

That being said, I went through this same type of cramping and mild contractions for a good 10 weeks! They always told me the same thing:

1. Drink 3 large glasses of water.

2. Lay down.

If your belly doesn't chill out, then come in immediately. My belly always chilled out, though! I bet you're doing too much and/or working too hard! And drinking too little water? Take the day off, and put your feet up. (If possible. Is that even an option with 3 kids???) Drink a ton of water, herbal tea, and/or juice. Relax, listen to some good tunes, and just connect with yourself and your baby again.

You may be one of "those" moms-to-be, who just have an uncomfortable final few months. I was too! But try to rest today, and see if it gets any better.

And call your doc! :) Good luck!

Hey, I'm 30 weeks, too! I haven't been having too many contractions like you're talking about, but my (twin) sister (whose baby is about 3 weeks old) had Braxton-Hicks and similar contractions from about week 20 on.

The doctor told her it could POSSIBLY be Braxton-Hicks...so she just had to chalk it up to her whole abdomen randomly seizing up, going as tight and hard as a bowling ball, and then relaxing...all day, for months. Does that sound like what you have?