Braxton Hicks. soooo many!?

Question

I am 33 weeks preg. and i just had a doctors appointment on tuesday. I asked my doctor about all of these braxton Hicks that i keep getting, because i get SO MANY in just one day. i couldn't even tell you how many i get. She told me to make sure i either time them, or see how far apart they are...or SOMETHING!! i can not remember!! i knew what she had said that night, and all of a sudden i forgot!

Does ANYONE know what i should do when i have so many Braxton Hicks, or what that could possibly mean.

(because i also found out from a specialist that my mother goes to that things she told me were fine,,,really were not good at ALL!...So i'm not sure i totally trust my doctor)

Can anyone help me in any way? This is my first pregnancy! im so new at this

Answer 1

They are normal! I had braxton hicks contrations two months before I gave birth. Mine came a couple times every day and they would last for about two hours each time. They would come every 1 to 2 minutes sometimes it seemed like there was no spacing in them. I never could keep track of them either. Mine were also very painful.  Anyway they never helped me dialate or thin the cervix. My baby is also totally healthy. I would worry about them!  

Answer 2

Braxton Hicks contractions

What is the difference between a Braxton Hicks contraction and a true labor contraction?

Braxton Hicks contractions

As early as six weeks into all pregnancies, the uterus, which is a large muscle, begins to contract rhythmically. These contractions (called Braxton Hicks contractions or `False labor`) are usually irregular and painless. Because they usually do not cause the cervix to dilate, they do not threaten the pregnancy. They generally last about one to two minutes. While these contractions might be noticed during the second half of pregnancy, some women don't notice them at all.

Why do I have Braxton Hicks contractions?

Throughout the pregnancy, the uterus periodically contracts to facilitate better blood flow through the placenta and the fetus. Braxton Hicks contractions help to strengthen the uterine muscles and prepare them for the normal labor process.

What does a Braxton Hicks contraction feel like?

Braxton Hicks contractions aren't usually painful, just uncomfortable. It feels like a tightening of your belly in your lower abdomen and groin.

When is it getting serious?

Braxton Hicks contractions that tend to increase in frequency and intensity toward the end of the pregnancy may be misinterpreted as contractions of labor and are sometimes referred to as 'false labor' contractions. Women are not usually aware of cervical dilatation, the stretching and opening of the entrance to the uterus, and cervical dilatation can only be measured by a health practitioner during a pelvic examination.

What to Do

When you are experiencing contractions, either painful or painless, that occur more than four times an hour or are less than 15 minutes apart, you should report this activity to your physician or midwife. You should be prepared to answer the following questions:

When did the discomfort start?

What is the type and frequency of the contractions?

What were you doing when the symptoms began?

Do you have any other signs or symptoms such as:

menstrual-like cramps that may come and go

abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea

backache that is dull and may radiate around toward the abdomen

vaginal discharge increase or a noticeable change in color

pelvic pressure that is constant or intermittent

While waiting for your provider to return her call, you should:

Stop whatever activity you were doing when the contractions started

Lie down with your feet elevated or on your left side

Drink two or three glasses of water or juice since these contractions can sometimes be brought on by dehydration.

These precautions sometimes cause contractions to subside. If symptoms do not lessen within one hour and you aren't able to get in touch with your health-care provider, you should go to the nearest hospital for further evaluation.

Pre Labor

At some point, normally between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, something still unknown changes the Braxton Hicks contractions so that they begin to soften and open the cervix, eventually leading to the baby`s birth. If contractions lead to delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy, this is considered premature or preterm labor.

Real labor

Contractions during real labor are more painful and come in a steady rhythm. True labor contractions also become closer together and the pain gets worse.

Answer 3

Braxton Hicks are like warm-up exercises for actual labor. Being dehydrated can cause them...so make sure you are drinking a TON of water... and then sit with your feet up and rest. I always notice more Braxton Hicks in the morning before I get enough liquid and then if I am moving around a lot. Good luck!

Answer 4

Think of it this way Before a big race you have to warm up your muscles right. Well that is what braxton Hicks are a warm up. They da not normally have any rhythm to them real contractions will NORMALLY be able to set a watch to them. Time them if they are every 3 or 4 min apart then you need to call your dr If not it is just the warm up before the race:) I had Braxton Hicks for three months before I gave birth it was horrible the actual birth was nothing compared.

Answer 5

If you get them every 10 mins then you should go to the hospital..other then that idk they only really get concerned at that point. If you have any concerns go to the hospital they'll check you out.