What do Braxton Hicks Contractions feel like?

Question

I'm 33 weeks and I don't think I have had one yet. My doctor said I would feel one when I have done a lot during the day but my man is wonderful and I never have to really do too much lifting or anything like that. I never feel any tightening or cramping.. so what exactly does it feel like?
Is it bad I haven't felt one yet? I'm worried my body isn't preparing it's self for labor.

Answer 1

I never felt any contractions until I went into labor with both my children. My doctor told me that not feeling braxton hicks is just as normal as having them. And just cuz you dont feel them doesnt mean your body isnt getting ready. You should address any concerns you have with your doctor no matter how silly you think they are. You arent gonna ask him anything he hasnt already been asked. He'll be the one to put your worries to rest.

Answer 2

Most women will begin experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions around the 5th -7th month and will continue until delivery. These contractions can be described as a tightening of the abdominal area, but are usually not painful. However, as you near your due date these contractions do become more powerful and begin to feel uncomfortable (I would not describe it as painful though---just uncomfortable). These contractions can also be felt after having an orgasm. After an orgasm you may experience stronger Braxton Hicks contractions and you may experience some cramping. This is perfectly normal. Many women say that their abdomen gets very hard after an orgasm. During the fourth and fifth month, you may notice your uterus knotting up in a little ball after an orgasm which is very normal.

Answer 3

No it isn't bad that you haven't felt one, and that is great that your man is so helpful and attentive. Way to go!!!
For me, Braxton Hicks felt like a sudden tightening of my abdomen - sometimes really intense, but they never lasted a long period of time. I wouldn't worry at all. Your body was designed to know what to do. When it is time, that baby will come! Good luck and congratulations!!!

Answer 4

BHs are like a cramp. They can be painful, but nowhere near as painful as a contraction.

I only felt them once when I was pg with my first. Never felt them when I was pg with my second. No big deal if you've never felt them. They're kind of like stretch marks. Some women get them, some don't.

Answer 5

It's normal not to have felt them yet, everyone's preg is different. I didn't even really notice them with my first preg, only my second. They feel a lot like doing a crunch while you're having mild menstrual cramps.

Answer 6

Take a experiment. If you're pregnant, that is not going, both you expelled the IUD in the course of your final interval or it's rather out - you must be ready to palpate the ends of the strings coming out of your cervix proper now, if they are not there you usually are pregnant.

Answer 7

Oh, your body is preparing itself just fine for labor. What you can do to help is to follow your healthcare practitioner's advice about diet and exercise, read as much as you can about pregnancy and labor ( and child rearing), and be happy, honey. (Yeah, it hurts. But, we woman are built to take it.) Try a birthing class.

Answer 8

I never felt any with my pregnancy. I've always heard they felt like menstrual cramps.

Answer 9

They feel like menstrual cramps.

Answer 10

youll know when you get one. i was doing th dishes once and i had one, it was such a quick painful cramp i almost didnt know what it was. it lasted about 4 to 5 seconds. it will take you to your knees.