26 Weeks pregnant with Braxton Hicks?

Question

Just wondering, if they even are... I have menstrual like cramps (as if my period is coming)...are those Braxton? They come and go, when they come they usually last for a half an hour..but they are mild. What are your experiences?

Answer 1

I had the same type of cramps when I was pregnant with my third child. After speaking with the doctor, I learned that there are generally 3 types of cramps that you'll experience during pregnancy:

-Menstrual-like cramps: These happen when you're not drinking enough water and is not uncommon. If I remember correctly, these happen because your muscles are dehydrated.

-Braxton Hicks: These are not like cramps. They're more like a general tightening. I had these for all 3 of my children, but usually didn't realized it until about 38-39 weeks. They're not usually painful, just uncomfortable. Lying down, or switching positions usually helps these to ease up or go away altogether.

-Labor Contractions: These tend to start off like Braxton Hicks, only with more regularity. Also, they usually get longer, stronger, and closer together as time passes (exactly how much time varies for every woman and pregnancy). And while you can move around to get a little more comfortable, there's not much you can do to make them ease up or stop.

Answer 2

Braxton Hicks are very commom at 26 weeks.....they should NEVER be painful but can be quite uncomfortable. Also braxton hicks should be more towards the top....not cramping like period cramps(that usually indicates beginning stages of labor) Try just resting for awhile...if they become more painful or start to get a distinct pattern to them then call the doc ASAP.

Answer 3

I think I started getting them around 26 weeks too.
Your stomach will go rock hard for about 30 seconds at a time. If you get up and change position, they should go away. They were mild at first, but as I approached my due date, they became more varied. I actually had some Braxton-Hicks that were strong enough that I had to stop and breathe through them.

Answer 4

First of all, you should call your doctor immediately.

Then you need to drink lots of water and rest! Stay off your feet.

I had Braxton-Hicks when I was pregnant with my daughter. They are usually very painful. Like a stabbing pain. Mine were on my right side just under my ribs and ran all the way down to my groin area.

You can try laying down with a heating pad. That may help until you can get to the doc.

Goodluck.

Answer 5

Braxton-Hicks (hyphenated last name) was the first to describe them for the are NOT normal this early in pregnancy. There is NO difference between these and preterm labor contractions. The number one cause of newborn morbidity and mortality is prematurity. If you are less than 36 weeks along, discuss these with your Obstetrician. They can be nothing but if your cervix is changing, it is labor. The most common cause of preterm contractions and preterm labor is urinary tract infections. Going frequently can be the only other symptom of bladder infections when you are pregnant. DO NOT ignore contractions this early.
Old OB Doc

Answer 6

drink more water. Dehydration causes cramping. Have a glass or two and lay on your left side they should stop all together. Make sure you're drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. Good luck!!

www.babyfit.com

Answer 7

yes it sounds like braxton hicks...im 28 weeks and i get those too where my stomach gets real hard and i cramp a little...good luck!

Answer 8

I'm having something like that now (at 24 weeks). They're bringing me in to make sure it's all kosher, but I'm not worried.

Answer 9

sounds like braxtoin hicks make sure you are drinking plent of water as not drinking enough often triggers contractions.

Answer 10

Could be, I had them too but farther into my pregnancy. If they get stronger or more frequent, I would call the doctor.