I am 15 years old, and 29 weeks pregnant. Last night I woke up tossing and turining because of cramping in my stomach and lower abdomen that my mother said was most likely contractions. They were very irregular and lasted for anywhere between 12-64 seconds. The time between them varied, but it seemed they were one after another for an hour. The pain was very intense and I was wondering if there were any ways to lessen the pain at home. Also, I was wondering if they were possibly Braxton-Hicks contractions and how they differ from real contractions.
2006-12-22 06:09:42 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
As far as I know, Braxton-Hicks contractions are described in books as "painless, hardening" of the uterus. You feel the top of the uterus hardening up and then relaxing. They don't come at regular intervals.
You really need to at least call your doctor's office and ask about this.
Because you're so young there's a good chance you'll have a premature delivery. Obviously, that's not what it was last night because you haven't continued into labor from what you were experiencing.
Here's a site about Braxton Hicks:
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/laborbasics/a/bhctx.htm
Ask your doctor's office if there's ever a time there are cramps with Braxton Hicks. I don't want to scare you, but cramps in labor are related to the opening of the cervix. There's a chance your body could be starting to get ready for labor. The cervix can start opening quite a while before delivery.
Again, call your doctor's office.
2006-12-22 06:24:27 · answer #1 · answered by WhiteLilac1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They were probably braxton-hicks contractions. They can be quite uncomfortable especially as your baby gets larger. As long as they are not coming in a timed pattern and your are not leaking any fluid or blood, then you will probably be just fine. Braxton Hicks are just "practice" contractions but are esentially the same thing as labor contractions, except that with labor contractions...they hurt REALLY bad and they usually come in a timed pattern.
They can be more common after you have had a day of heavy activity so try and take it easy and get some rest.
If they become very strong and don't seem to subside when you are resting...or you you start to leak any fluid then call your doctor asap.
Just be aware of your body...if something just doesn't feel right...call your doc. That is what they are there for and you are always better safe than sorry.
Good luck to you.
2006-12-22 07:10:11 · answer #2 · answered by Sunshine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely Braxton-Hicks contractions
2006-12-22 06:15:46 · answer #3 · answered by frankmilano610 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a physician who has delivered many babies, I would recommend being seen by your physician. Although these may be Braxton Hicks contractions, you should be examined and monitored to ensure that your cervix is not dilating. The difference between true labor and false labor (Braxton Hicks) is a change in the cervix. Many times they feel the same. If your cervix is changing with these contractions, then you are having preterm labor. 29 weeks is early, and your physician would need to stop the contractions.
2006-12-22 06:20:45 · answer #4 · answered by Weezer Rocks 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at 29 weeks if you have greater than 5 contractions an hour after drinking 64oz fluid and soaking in a warm tub for an hour you should go to the hospital and be evaluated.talk to your doctor about this and ask if he/she thinks you should have an Ffn ( fetal fibronectin) swab. this can be an indicator if your at risk for pre term delivery. braxton hicks contractions don't usually develop into a regular pattern labor is progressive first you get contractions than they get closer in timing than they start lasting longer in duration.. they don't wander all over the place example 3 min apart than 7 min apart them 5 etc etc they get to 3-4 min apart and stay there then they last longer and increase in strength. Usually. There is ALWAYS going to be some person who's labor was the miracle of labors and have heard them all.My last labor was only 10 min 15 hrs later we're all still waiting..
2006-12-22 06:27:47 · answer #5 · answered by helenobrn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you were having braxton hicks contractions, They can be uncomfortable and usually begin around 5 months. They are usually irregular in length of contraction and time in between. I would contact your doctor if you continue to have them and they become regular, closer together and more painful. If you feel any need for concern you should contact your doctor. Most OBGYN's are used to answering these questions for you. Good luck.
2006-12-22 06:20:18 · answer #6 · answered by wesleyann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Braxton Hicks can be somewhat painful, especially around 30 weeks. They are a normal part of your pregnancy so you shouldn't be worried. If you keep experiencing this pain on a regular, then you should go to your doctor and get checked out. Congratulations on your pregnancy.
2006-12-22 06:13:45 · answer #7 · answered by chloerochelle102887 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your doctor. I am a mother of 2 and never had contractions this soon. It could be Braxton-Hicks but it just seems too soon for them.
2006-12-22 06:14:55 · answer #8 · answered by Jamie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most likely braxton-hicks contractions. they are irregular usually and as long as they are spaced out the same and increasingly getting closeer you are okay. you can lesson the pain by breathing deep. if you think that is painful what till youa re really in labor. ouch
2006-12-22 06:13:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they may have been braxtom hicks but if it happens again go to teh hospital. I delivered my second son at 24 weeks and spent a lot of time around premature babies.
If it IS labour and they do not stop it your child could very well die. suffer an IVH (intraventricular hemmorage) wich is bleeding in the brain, develop NEC (necrotizing endocolitis) with requires surgery and is dealy, could have respitory and heart problems and life long disabilities
2006-12-22 06:15:55 · answer #10 · answered by misa1233 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋