26 weeks with questions:)?

Question

Hi There,
Well this marks week 26 for my husband and I. We are expecting our first child in June and are so excited! I have been having pains in both my hips - almost feels like they are slightly out of place - i know your pelvis moves and gets ready for when the baby comes but it seemed kind of early for me to start waddling:) Also, I wondered what the first pains of labor feel like - in other words how do you know when you have actually started labor and not the braxton hicks thing:) Just a few things that were on my mind. Thanks!

Answer 1

First of all, Congrats :)

The pain in your hips are most likely from your body releasing hormones to loosen up all the muscles and tissue around your hips - often giving you a small bit of discomfort and pain. You can find quite a bit more information about what causes it, why, and how to get some relief :)

http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/preg_hip_pain.htm

The braxton hicks contractions may feel uncomfy - but not unbearable, you can tell you're having one when your stomach muscles go hard all over. Its then defined as labor when its joined with pain in your lower abdomen - much like period cramps, which start mild, get stronger and fade away again. They tend to last 30-75 seconds and joined by a tightning sensation all over your abs - much like a braxton hicks contraction. While B.Hicks contractions tend to be pretty irregular, true labor will come and go in a pattern - you might start having contractions every 20 minutes, and find they'll slowly start getting closer together.

Answer 2

You'll start to notice that all of your joints feel a bit looser, that's caused by hormones (its also responsible for some of the heartburn as that little flap that separates the esophogus from the stomach also becomes relaxed). Braxton-Hicks can feel very similar to real labor contractions, however drinking water and getting off your feet can alleviate B-H, while labor contractions will continue to get stronger, more regular, and closer together.

Answer 3

Hey hon. I am 26 weeks today too!! This is my first child, and having a girl. We are due June 11 2007. I havent felt pains in my hips, though. I have been experincing pain right under my ribs. She is also slowing her kicking, as well. Her room is getting smaller! lol. Anyways, I waddle and its hard to get out of a chair, or even the bed. I am getting fat and anxious! I can`t wait till shes here.

Answer 4

first off, congrats on the baby! im pregnant with my first baby too. the hip pain is totally normal. its the hormone being released to relax muscles in your joints. mine hips have hurt from about week 23 up until now, and im 36 weeks pregnant! and the whole labor thing, everyone has been telling me that you will "just know". lol. maybe someone will have a better answer to that part of your question than me..lol. Good luck with the baby though, Congrats and God bless!!!

Answer 5

YOU'LL KNOW! Braxton Hicks is more of a tight feeling. Real labor pains feel like you're having period cramps.

Answer 6

braxton hicks go away if you lay down and drink a glass of water, but real labor just keeps coming and getting closer together, And every pregnancy is different and has a different time table.

Answer 7

your hips start to move apart as soon as you get pregnant. and braxton hicks will come and go and will have different contraction times it doesn't stay on Q. for instants all of a sudden you will be having contractions 10 min. apart then 5 mins apart then 15 min apart then 2 min apart.

Answer 8

It sounds like your muscles are relaxing and your hips are making room for baby.

Real labor usually HURTS. Like really hurts, almost unbearably for most. Good luck!

Answer 9

I labor pains feel like menstrual cramps but like 10x worse

Answer 10

call doc