im 24 weeks pregnant and sometimes i feel a tightening sensation in my lower abdomen. doesnt last very long just a few seconds. what is this?!
2006-11-12 06:03:16 · 9 answers · asked by becky141086 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Sounds like braxton hicks, but you should feel it slightly above the belly button now, since that's how "tall" your uterus is by now.
2006-11-12 11:01:52 · answer #1 · answered by mrs.izabel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks are sporadic uterine contractions that actually start at about 6 weeks, although you won't be able to feel them that early. You probably won't start to notice them until sometime after midpregnancy, if you notice them at all (some women don't). They get their name from John Braxton Hicks, an English doctor who first described them in 1872.
As your pregnancy progresses, Braxton Hicks contractions tend to come somewhat more often, but until you get to your last few weeks, they should remain infrequent, irregular, and essentially painless. Sometimes, though, Braxton Hicks are hard to distinguish from early signs of preterm labor.
Play it safe and don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. If you haven't hit 37 weeks yet and you're having four or more contractions in an hour, or have any other signs of preterm labor, call your caregiver immediately.
By the time you're within a couple of weeks of your due date, these contractions may get more intense and more frequent, and cause some discomfort. Unlike the earlier painless and sporadic Braxton Hicks contractions that caused no obvious cervical change, these may help your cervix "ripen": gradually soften and efface, and maybe even begin to dilate a bit. This period is sometimes referred to as "pre-labor."
2006-11-12 14:12:24 · answer #2 · answered by hapymom03 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be Braxton Hicks contractions. They are like a practice round! Totally harmless and nothing to worry about. You should mention it to your doctor though because it does seem a few weeks early for them. Overall, they don't really hurt, they are just a bit uncomfortable. As your baby gets larger, they may become increasingly more uncomfortable. You may notice that you get them more often after being very active and also after sex.
Try to relax and just take it easy.
Good luck and congrats!
2006-11-12 14:08:49 · answer #3 · answered by Sunshine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably Braxton hicks. Mention it to your doctor, they might want to check you for the real contractions just to be safe. I know with my son I went into actual labor and thought they were the braxton hicks I had been having. Then with my twins I had real contractions from 25 weeks to 31 when they were born and I thought my labor was just the same old contractions again and didnt know they wouldnt be able to stop them and out came my girls 9 weeks early
2006-11-12 14:09:07 · answer #4 · answered by Lori R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like Braxton Hicks to me. I had them through the later stages of my pregnancy. Everything I read about them called them "practice" contractions. I don't know why though, the real thing hurt SO much more !
2006-11-12 15:54:35 · answer #5 · answered by Gail H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could either be braxton hicks contractions (I had them starting at just 16-17 weeks), or the baby tightening him/herself in one spot... That happens to me too. Check with your doc if you need reassurance. Good luck and CONGRATS!
2006-11-12 14:07:45 · answer #6 · answered by Danielle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
braxton hicks contractions, they are painless, and what people call practice contractions. They are normal, and as long as there is no bleeding, and they don't hurt, there is nothing to worry about.
2006-11-12 14:06:47 · answer #7 · answered by MICHELLE M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
theyre braxton hicks contraction, your body is getting ready for the labour day,dont worry,good luck
2006-11-12 14:10:06 · answer #8 · answered by neha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be the baby stretching out or the muscles and ligaments in your abdomen and uterus stretching.
2006-11-12 14:05:51 · answer #9 · answered by jilldaniel_wv 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋