when your tummy gets really tight, an uncomfortable tight. When you are pregnant.
2006-09-21 17:00:14 · 15 answers · asked by Jackie H 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
It would only be a problem if you had an incompetent cervix or uterine irritability and were at risk for a preterm delivery. If your pregnancy is normal, you should be fine.
2006-09-21 17:03:44 · answer #1 · answered by tigerzntalons 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Braxton-Hicks contractions ARE contractions, but the contractions of the uterine muscles are not coordinate, and do not work together to accomplish dilation of the cervix. However, late in pregnancy, when you are close to term (38 to 40 weeks) Braxton-Hicks contractions occur with more frequency and are sometimes stronger. It is during this time that some effacement (thinning) of the cervix takes place, and some of the early pre-labor dilation (anywhere from 1cm to 4cm -- not in labor). It also has been known to occur that sometimes early "practice sessions" of Braxton-Hicks contractions can increase with intensity, and regularity thus causing the uterine musculature to become coordinated and lead into labor. If you start to have REGULAR, STRONG contractions that last a full 60 seconds from start to end of each contraction and the contractions are 5 minutes apart for at least one hour, or if the contractions are accompanied by pinkish or blood-streaked vaginal discharge, or uncontrollable leakage or gush of fluid from the vagina, you are in labor and should call your birth attendant (doctor or midwife) and make your way to the hospital. This is of more urgency if you are before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Good luck and congratulations on your impending delivery!
2006-09-21 17:19:40 · answer #2 · answered by brendalyn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Braxton hicks contractions by definition are only practice contractions. They do help your body prepare for labor by softening the cervix, helping bring the baby down and helping you dilate a centimeter or two but that is it. Once contractions lead beyond that they are the real thing.
The adage that they are painless is a butt load. I am pregnant with my second and know this from personal experience. They can range from painless to very painful. The medical industry is finally starting to understand this... You can even find mention of them hurting in what to expect when you are expecting and the book your pregnancy and birth. ( a book that many doctors now give their patients)
2006-09-21 17:21:21 · answer #3 · answered by Erin B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No- Braxton Hicks is false labor. Unless you are contracting more then 4 times in an hour. Dont worry about the little contractions you may feel
2006-09-21 17:07:35 · answer #4 · answered by radical_92 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes Braxton Hicks Contractions can hurt. I know I'm having them now a days but I think real labor pains would be much more intense. A nurse told me a real contraction feels as hard as you pressing your finger on your forhead, your tummy would feel this hard. A Braxton Hicks feels more like you pressing your finger on your nose.
2006-09-21 17:06:47 · answer #5 · answered by nyc_villagegirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is my understanding that braxton hicks is classified by contractions that do not lead to laber directly, but strengthen the muscles in preperation for labor. With that definition, no they cannot, as it would then be considered labor, not braxton hicks.
2006-09-21 17:04:28 · answer #6 · answered by mybiggerbox 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not really. when i was preggers with my daughter, i was having contractions that changed my cervix. i was 3 cm the first time i went into labor. you will know it when you go into labor. usually you will pass your mucus plug or your water will break. but when you have contractions that won't go away when you drink water, change position, or walk it off(around the house) then you are in labor and you need to go to the hospital. but braxton hicks are just practice contractions to get your uterus ready for labor. there shouldn't be anything to worry about.
2006-09-21 17:09:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
both of my labors started off felling like regular braxton hicks contractions so if they are regual or you have more than 6 in an hour go to the hospital and have them moniter you
2006-09-21 17:04:22 · answer #8 · answered by jory1601 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HOW FAR ALONG ARE YOU? Braxton hicks contractions also known as false labor. I doubt it, but I am not sure.
2006-09-21 17:06:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I am 31 weeks and experiencing BH also. Went to hospital because I also had a small show with speks of blood and they sent me home telling me maybe the baby was causing them. I don't know if I agree or not, I feel it might happen soon for me.
GOOD LUCK
2006-09-21 18:45:21 · answer #10 · answered by redbubbleblue 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋