I haven't felt anything like a contraction yet. (this is my first pregnancy not sure really what to expect) But I am worried if I haven't felt them yet than my body won't be ready for labor. What should they feel like? Could I be having them and they are just weak enough where I don't notice?
2006-06-10 11:45:54 · 25 answers · asked by ashez 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Theres not a chance I am not pregnant. I am over SIX months. I have seen the baby's face and am carrying around a huge bowling ball.. To think that you would have to be absolutely dumb!
2006-06-10 11:49:41 · update #1
Not all expectant mothers have these contractions, but if you are concerned please consult with your physician!
"Braxton Hicks' contractions, also known as false labour (British English, false labor in American English) or practice contractions, occur during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It is a tightening of the uterine muscles for one to two minutes and is thought to be an aid to the body in its preparation for birth. Not all expectant mothers have these contractions which can start as early as 20 weeks into the pregnancy. They are thought to be part of the process of effacement, the thinning and dilation of the cervix.
Braxton Hicks are named after the English doctor that first described them. In 1872, John Braxton Hicks investigated the latter stages of pregnancy and noted that many women felt contractions without being near birth. This process was usually painless but caused women confusion as to whether or not they were going into actual labour. It has since been found that Braxton Hicks' contractions are much less noticeable during exercise, whereas real contractions are not.
Dehydration is thought to be a contributing factor in extended Braxton Hicks contractions.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braxton_Hicks"
2006-06-10 11:49:15 · answer #1 · answered by OneRunningMan 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
not every one has them i never did and both of my babies were fine. The don't get you ready for labor any way there is relay nothing that will get you ready for what contractions fill like but you ll now what they are you have nothing to be scared of is a true blessing to have a baby and most people would do it all over for the end result when you hold that baby for the first time. I was 17 and had my first all natural and would have the second time if i could have but had to have a emergency c-section but it is all worth it . good luck with you and Baby
2006-06-10 19:07:34 · answer #2 · answered by Jennifer H 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is still REALLY early for braxton hicks to be able to be felt. They are most common 35 weeks+. This early if you are having any they are so light you won't really notice. Towards the end when you get them they will just be little cramps as your uterus prepares. I couldn't really feel mine unless my hand was on my stomach and then I could physically feel it tighten. Braxton Hicks contractions are no preperation for the pain of real contractions, though. The only thing that prepares you is having gone through it before. Hopefully yours are good and easy though, GOod Luck!!
2006-06-10 19:00:53 · answer #3 · answered by linds_a_lot 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is still too early. You should have felt the baby move by now. Find you a few pregnancy websites and look on their. It will give you not only good information but it can calm your nerves as well. Take care and good luck with your pregnancy.
PS - If you are still worried or would just like a straight answer do not hesitate to call your ob/gyn and as him/her for yourself. It will save time and make you feel better about it all.
2006-06-10 18:50:23 · answer #4 · answered by ^v^ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
not all women feel braxton hicks contractions at that point in pregnancy. Honestly i never felt them with the first two kids. the second two it seemed that it was happening all the time. you will be fine, your body will be ready. don't worry about it. just enjoy your pregnancy.
2006-06-10 19:32:50 · answer #5 · answered by Jessica S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont worry hun, i didnt feel braxton hicks till i was about 36 weeks. they feel alot like menstrual cramps. your body is getting ready for labor right now as we speak. have you read what to expect when your expecting? there is a whole chapter or more in there about what to expect and labor.
congratz on your pregnancy and good luck. you will be fine.
2006-06-10 19:26:23 · answer #6 · answered by Exotic Pink 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all women feel these types of contractions. I don't know how much research has been done, but I think you may be right that they are not intense enough to notice. Your body will prepare itself for labor, that's what women do! It is wonderful that you are having concerns, it means you are paying attention to your pregnancy. Congratulations, and good luck to you! I think you will be an amazing mother.
2006-06-10 18:59:14 · answer #7 · answered by Aunt Sam 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I was pregnant with my daughter (it was my first) I didn't feel anything like that at all. Some women have them and some don't. Either way it means nothing. And trust me real contractions are something you will definitely feel. They are like the worst period cramping of all time. But it is all worth it in the end. Good Luck
2006-06-10 18:54:43 · answer #8 · answered by blah blah blah 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I didnt' feel braxton hicks contractions, and my doctor said there was nothing wrong with that. Many women don't notice them. You may, however, notice that your stomach gets really tight. That's a normal braxton hicks contraction.
Good luck.
2006-06-10 18:49:52 · answer #9 · answered by almicrogirl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not every woman gets braxton hicks, when you have a contraction believe me you'll know it. Try not too worry so much.
2006-06-10 18:52:39 · answer #10 · answered by Wants2know 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋