2007-01-12 15:41:11 · 9 answers · asked by aprileaton04 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
A contraction of any kind is your uterus tightening up, since it is one big muscle. Your stomach will get hard and tight for both types of contractions. Braxton-Hicks are usually irregular, short (less than 45 seconds), painless (but sometimes uncomfortable), and completely random. If you are having contractions that are regular, getting closer together, painful, last a long time, or you have more than 6 in an hour, you should call your doctor or go to the hospital just incase. Also, if any contractions are accompianied by lower back pain (especially if you haven't had any before), any change in vaginal discharge, bleeding or spotting, or pelvic pressure, go to the hospital as it could be preterm labor. of course if you water breaks as well. check out this site--
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/pregcomplications/1055.html
it deals with preterm labor. this next link deal with braxton hicks contractions--
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/childbirth/156.html
good luck with your pregnancy!
2007-01-12 15:52:03 · answer #1 · answered by Rebecca O 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My stomach got rock hard during Braxton Hicks and during child birth contractions. There is a unique difference though between braxton HIcks and real ones! The pain!
2007-01-12 15:46:03 · answer #2 · answered by JUSTFORFUN 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe me you will know when it's a contraction!!
Braxton Hicks are tighting of your stomach an almost feels like it's stretched really tight...... I thought i was a pro at contractions cause I had braxton hicks for the last month in a half before I gave birth... once i felt a real contraction I was like man....... I thought I had this down... WOO WEE!!! :) They are just getting you prepared for the real thing... GOOD LUCK!!
2007-01-12 15:49:22 · answer #3 · answered by Corbyn's Mommy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
During contractions your stomach does get very, very hard and tight. But it is usually very low on your stomach - Braxton Hicks contractions does occur in the late stages of your pregnancy and is 'over' your stomach. I think it's safe to say that it depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy. If things don't feel right, rather phone your doctor just to make sure. Good luck!
2007-01-13 05:44:24 · answer #4 · answered by Gixy123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never had the braxton hicks contractions, but when I went in labor, my stomach got hard as a rock!
2007-01-12 15:45:41 · answer #5 · answered by Kandy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am 31 weeks pregnant and my stomach will get hard and tighten randomly(but mine are not painful) and my doctor said those are just the braxton hicks contractions. She said real contractions can be timed and often involve back pain and are way more intense.
2007-01-12 15:45:35 · answer #6 · answered by Sakora 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, your stomach does tighten during a contraction. If its across the bottom of your stomach, then they are definitely not Braxton Hicks.
2007-01-12 15:44:59 · answer #7 · answered by Mom of Three 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Even with the BH contractions, your stomach will get hard. It's a contraction. same as the other one except that you will know the difference between the real thing and the practice ones because they will become stonger and with less time in between them. IF you're worried time them, and look for any other changes in your body, frequent bowel movements, "indigestion", constant small leaks that you may think you just peed on yourself, and of course any spotting (Mucus plug).
2007-01-12 15:46:30 · answer #8 · answered by Brandnewshoes 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you think you might be having contractions ask yourself these questions:
Does your stomach get hard?
Does the sensation start from back and move to the front?
Do they get stronger?
Do they get more painful?
Do they get closer together?
Are they time-able?
Do they remain despite changing positions?
Yes to these or at least a couple would point to them being "real".
2007-01-12 15:49:45 · answer #9 · answered by zinntwinnies 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋