I am 24 weeks and 4 days and this morning i started having pains in my lower abdomen and lower sides. They feel kind of sharp but with a pulling sensation. Thats the best that i can describe them. They aren't really painful, but just uncomfortable. They make me worry, not suffer. Are these what Braxton Hicks feel like? If not, has anyone else had pains like this? What is it?
2007-03-01 08:01:35 · 8 answers · asked by Jaimee's Mommy 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
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."
2007-03-01 08:05:30 · answer #1 · answered by Natasha M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Braxton Hicks should be painless... that's the main difference between regular contractions and braxton hicks. They just feel like your stomach is tightening, it's just your body practicing for the real thing!
I would say you are having round ligament pain, but be sure to talk to your doctor about any abdominal pain!
2007-03-01 16:06:34 · answer #2 · answered by Danielle M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't say for sure, but it just sounds like you are stretching. Your body needs to stretch out to make room for your little one.
I don't remember ever having Braxton Hicks, but I remember what being in labour felt like...the worst period cramps ever. I think your body is just growing to accommodate your baby, but as always, best to ask your doctor on your next visit.
Congrats and best of luck to you.
2007-03-01 16:08:26 · answer #3 · answered by michellecdnd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Braxton Hicks are usually painful so i doubt that you have braxton hicks.
2007-03-01 16:14:42 · answer #4 · answered by peanutdurof 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, Im having one right now. It feels like you are being squeezed really tight and may come with or with out any pain. Your belly gets really hard. Ive been having mine since I was 18 weeks. Im now 36 weeks and this is my 4th baby.
2007-03-01 16:06:27 · answer #5 · answered by Blondi 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
to me braxtron hicks feel like perssure and tightening along my tummy. although every womens perception of what contractions feel like vary, i would say you are most likely feeling round ligament pains. which is normal especially at 24 almost 25 weeks. basically it is just your body getting bigger to accomendate baby.
2007-03-01 16:06:42 · answer #6 · answered by jjsoccer_18 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my braxton hicks are painless, you mat be having round ligament pain.
2007-03-01 16:04:42 · answer #7 · answered by juniormintsrock 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
they feel like what your feeling just tightness but no pain
2007-03-01 16:04:09 · answer #8 · answered by Lisa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋