what is this im feeling?

Question

my uterus hardens and then relaxes. it happens every 20 minutes or so and they hurt. my back hurts and at times i cant move with them. my doctor says that i shouldnt do anything til my water breaks.

im 35 weeks pregnant adn am having a planned c section on 8/16. the baby is measuring big and they arent concerned about his lungs cuz according to all tests hes in good health

Answer 1

If they are very regular like that then it sounds like labor contractions, not braxton-hicks (practice) contractions.

I was told to wait to go to the doctor until you have a really hard time talking during a contraction. This would likely mean you are in active labor and dilated far enough to where they won't send you home again!

Answer 2

It could be contrations, or Braxton Hicks contractions. In the days or weeks before labor, Braxton Hicks contractions may intermittently become rhythmic, relatively close together, and even painful, at times fooling you into thinking you're in labor. But unlike true labor, during this so-called "false labor" the contractions don't grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together. If you're within a few weeks of your due date, try these measures:
• Change your activity or position. Sometimes walking provides relief, and other times resting eases your contractions. (Real labor contractions, on the other hand, will persist and progress regardless of what you do.)

• Take a warm bath to help your body relax.

• Try drinking a couple glasses of water, since these contractions can sometimes be brought on by dehydration.

• Try relaxation exercises or slow, deep breathing. This won't stop the Braxton Hicks contractions, but it may help you cope with the discomfort. (Use this opportunity to practice some of the pain-management strategies you learned in your childbirth preparation class.)

Good luck!

Answer 3

Drink a glass of water and lay on your side for a while. This may stop the contractions for a while. When you have contractions that don't slow down and are 3-5 minutes apart go to the hospital. (& notify your OB/GYN's office that's what you're doing) Don't wait for your water to break. I read that only 25% of women's water breaks on it's own in early labor. In fact it's possible that the baby's delivered inside the amniotic sac. (not saying this will happen to you, but it can.)

Don't be self-concious about going to the hospital for false labor. Plenty of women go in a few times thinking it's the real thing when it's not. Better safe than sorry.

Answer 4

Are you full term? If so, you may be starting labor and that could be a great thing, but 20 min apart is not considered close enough to go into the hospital (unless you can't even talk during the contractions). If you do want to go in to ease your mind, they will probably check to see hwo dilated and effaced you are, then send you home or send you walking around the hospital....
If you are not full term, go to the hospital right away- you are in pre-term labor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am hoping for a safe, perfectly timed delivery for you!!!!
-Meg

Answer 5

Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, these could simply be Braxton Hicks contractions. Basically your body is warming up for the big game.

If your doctor has advised you to wait until your water breaks, then you can probably safely listen to your doctor.

Answer 6

It sounds like contractions, but try drinking some juice or eating some crackers or try walking around if its not too painful. I had those at 35 weeks also.

Answer 7

definitely sounds like contractions, but they are too far apart yet. Should be between 4 and 6 min. Of course whatever your doc told you though, listen to him first about when he said to go in.
Sounds like it's really soon.
If you cant talk during them either, then they are real ones

Answer 8

if this is your first pregnancy it is safe to wait until you feel you need something for the pain, if it is another pregnancy i would contact the hospital where you are booked in for the birth and describe your pains to them .they will advise you whether to come into hospital for the birth or not. the hardening and release is your uterus preparing for the birth

Answer 9

well if your pregnant, then all that feeling is is the vagianl area(uterus), opening wider to make room for the baby...perfectly normal

Answer 10

see a doctor