contractions?

Question

how do you tell the diff between contractions and braxton hicks. im 32 weeks pregnant and feel pains all over my belly and back and pressure in pelvis area.im only 20 and pregnant for the first time so i dont know the diff.and is it too early to start having contractions.and is there any thing i can do to get more sleep i only get like 2hrs a night cause im so uncomftable.

Answer 1

Well if they are braxton hicks they wont be spaced every so many minutes non stop, but if they are real they will be all over your stomach and spaced evenly, you might want to call your doctor to be safe you could be having real contraction people do go into labor early sometimes, here is a sight that tell you how to tell the difference. Good luck

Answer 2

The contractions need to be evaluated by either your doctor or at the hospital to make sure they are not actually causing you to dialate. It is possible that you are feeling actual labor contractions, and would need mediction to stop them.

One big way to determine the difference between a Braxton Hicks contraction and a labor contraction is to walk. You can usually walk off braxton hicks, but nobody ever walked off labor. In many ways, early labor and braxton hicks are the same kind of contraction- they both are from uterine muscles. The difference is that braxton hicks are to tone and prepare the uterus for labor, whereas labor contractions are to deliver the baby.
You are at a point in pregnancy where sleep is often a problem because of discomfort, though sometimes I was plenty comfortable and still wide awake. It helps to have a warm shower or bath, and try a cup of warm herbal or non-caffiene tea with milk. Use all the pillows you can find, or try a body pillow, to support and cushion yourself. I also found reading helped me on the nights I just couldn't sleep, or woke up in the night. I would simply read for a bit, until I felt drowsy again. I also took short naps in the day, or simply laid down for a rest period. Be careful to watch your caffiene intake during the day, as you seem to be more sensitive to it while you are pregnant. I could have a cup of coffee in the morning, but I had to avoid it for the rest of the day. That means the soft drinks and tea, too- they all have caffeine in them, unless you look for the one's that specifically say they are free of it.
If you have a willing partner, a back rub or massage also helps with the aches. You can also try sprinkling the sheets with a perfumed talc to make them feel softer and smell nice. There are aroma-therapy types with herbs to induce sleepiness or relaxation, so you could try one of them. Or you can just try plain old baby powder, as that particular scent is relaxing to most people.
The pressure in the pelvic area is more usually due to baby's head pressing downwards. The weight can sure get really uncomfortable, and sometimes down right painful. If you can get to a maternity shop, they sell a pregnancy support belt that Ioved. It looks like a wide belt, similar to one a weight lifter would wear, but it fits up under the baby's head/body. It helps support the weight and takes the pressure off your lower back and pelvis. While you are up and about, it really does help.
Sorry there aren't a lot of better suggestions. You just experiment with things until you find what works best for you. Sleep when you are able, and don't worry about what the clock says. If that means your sleep pattern gets a little odd for the time being, that's okay. Good luck with the next bit, and have a healthy baby!

Answer 3

You will know you are having real contractions when they get progressively stronger and more frequent and come at regular intervals. Real contractions (I'm told) feel like the worst period cramps you've ever felt and don't get better no matter what you do. They'll last between 30 seconds and one minute and then all of a sudden they'll go away and your stomech will relax. The pain and pressure you're feeling is completely normal and, unfortunately, only gets worse from here on out. Just keep telling yourself "only 8 weeks to go, only 8 weeks to go" over and over. And picture yourself holding your new, beautiful, happy, healthy little baby in your arms. Staying positive really makes a big difference. If you can't get any sleep when you lie down in bed, try sleeping upright in a recliner or comfy chair with pillows and blankets or on the couch. Use a body pillow when sleeping in bed or sleep on your side with pillows propped behind your back and between your knees. I found that I am most comfortable when I keep my head propped up while sleeping (my biggest problem with sleeping through the night has been acid reflux when I lie down). Nap during the day whenever possible and sleep in when you can. Good luck to you, you're almost done with this pregnancy. It's all worth it in the end.

Answer 4

try to pack pillow around you and under your knees. also contraction that come and go and get longer and closer together is real labor and contraction that come and go but don't get closer together or longer is fake labor. i have to children the most previous is 11 weeks old. i couldn't sleep either for the last couple months. just try to sleep when you can. During the day and night. you could also try sleeping on the couch on your side.and if you are to hot to sleep, sleep in front of the air conditioner...it will cool you off plus give you nice air to breathe, if you're having trouble with that.

Answer 5

Has your OB gone over the symptoms of preterm labor with you? Real contractions feel more like menstral cramps and occur regularly. Might want to read up on preterm labor and call your OB if you still have concerns.

Answer 6

call your midwife at the hospital where you are going to deliver and explain what your feeling, they will probably tell you to go in for a check up and overnight stay. dont worry it will prorbably be braxton hix, but better to be safe than sorry!
i was 19 when i had my son and terrified, its not as bad as you think it will be!

good luck!!!!

Answer 7

drink lots of water, and take a warm bath. if they don't stop call a doctor. sometimes it is caused by dehydration....Don't worry even if it is not real contractions your Dr will be happy you called. it is better safe than sorry. Oh, and make sure they are not less than 5 mins apart.... Good Luck!

Answer 8

Hang in there, all that you feel is normal. My suggestion for sleep is getting a body pillow. They sell them at babies r us. It worked for me and helped through the last weeks.

Answer 9

Call your doctor or go to the ER

Answer 10

call your doctor or go to the ER...when i was pregnant, i never felt my contrations...until i was induced even though the contrations showed on the machine that they use.