Any correlation between frequent Braxton-Hicks and early labor?

Question

Any of you ladies or pregnancy experts know if there is a connection between very frequent/strong Braxton-Hicks contractions and pre-term labor? This is my third pregnancy. I'm at week 35 and for the past 3 days, the BH contractions have really escalated. I get them throughout the day, and yesterday my uterus tightened up for almost an hour continuously.

I'm wondering if this is going to continue in this pattern for the next 4 or 5 weeks (please no!) or if it means I may deliver at 37 weeks or earlier. Or perhaps I'm just having an "episode" and they will decrease again?

I'm not at risk for pre-term labor, by the way, and my due date is right on. Thanks for any help or advice!

Answer 1

Hi...you sound rather informed, so probably no need to tell you that braxton hicks are pretty much just warm ups for the real thing (uh, yeah, painless though...). They shouldn't hurt...if they do, that's either false or real labor.
I did get a lot of BH, starting in the 4th month, they became pretty uncomfortable later on in the pregnancy though, bc the uterus had gotten so big. you may be in early labor, too! i know this is the easy way out, but you could always call your ob to be safe.
I had lots and gave birth at 37 weeks and 4 days.
Good luck!!

Answer 2

Not necessarily. Especially since this isn't your first child. My midwife told me with #3 that it is completely different. I started feeling BH at 29 weeks. If you are really concerned call your doc and let them know about the frequency and severity of the BH. They may have you come in for a quick check, at best they will tell you other things to look out for.

Answer 3

I asked this same question so many times, and not gotten a good answer

Answer 4

That's not wrong

Answer 5

Finally, that's what I was searching for! Thanks to author of this question.