when is the normal time to get braxton hicks contractions?

Answer 1

Braxton Hicks contractions
Approved by the Medical Advisory Board
Reviewed by Ann Linden, CNM
Last updated: July 2005



By the BabyCenter editorial staff
• What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
• How can I tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions?
• What can I do if my Braxton Hicks contractions are making me uncomfortable?
• When should I call my doctor or midwife?
• Related Links


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."



How can I tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions?
In the days or weeks before labor, Braxton Hicks contractions may intermittently become rhythmic, relatively close together, and even painful, at times fooling you into thinking you're in labor. But unlike true labor, during this so-called "false labor" the contractions don't grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together.

What can I do if my Braxton Hicks contractions are making me uncomfortable?
If you're within a few weeks of your due date, try these measures:
• Change your activity or position. Sometimes walking provides relief, and other times resting eases your contractions. (Real labor contractions, on the other hand, will persist and progress regardless of what you do.)

• Take a warm bath to help your body relax.

• Try drinking a couple glasses of water, since these contractions can sometimes be brought on by dehydration.

• Try relaxation exercises or slow, deep breathing. This won't stop the Braxton Hicks contractions, but it may help you cope with the discomfort. (Use this opportunity to practice some of the pain-management strategies you learned in your childbirth preparation class.)



Check this out

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/childbirth/156.html

Answer 2

hope this helps


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."

Answer 3

I am just about eight months and since I was five months I have had PAINFUL braxton hicks. My doctors said nothing to worry about. Unless they are three to four in one hour, they're nothing to be concerned with. THAT'S NORMAL. I have one per hour on average, though sometimes they vary. I did have some false labor that included some braxton hicks contractions, but they're really considered PRACTICE contractions, not early labor. You're fine.

Answer 4

They can start as early as 16 wks to where you can feel them. But not everyone knows that they are even happening. Your uterus contracts throughout the whole pregnancy making room for baby. As you get farther along in the pregnancy you will start to feel them more and more as they will be getting stronger and preparing you for the real thing. At 7 months I had some that nearly brought me to my knees. When you start to feel them every 5 mins or so.. make your way to the hospital to get checked out.. I was having some recently during a NST and did not realize it come to find out I had a UTI and did not know that as well and that can cause you to go into labor if you let it go to long. So good luck with everything!!

Answer 5

You can get braxton hicks contractions at any time.

Answer 6

I don't think there is a normal time I started having them with both of my children around 7 months though. and I felt them as real contractions. My Dr. said I needed to drink more water and that would help them to go away. You need to be really hydrated.

Answer 7

You can get them at anytime. I had a few when I was about 10 weeks along. But "normally" anytime in the late second and anytime in the third trimester.

Answer 8

Not everyone gets (or feels) them. Around the 8th month, I believe, is common.

You should read the book What To Expect When You're Expecting.

Answer 9

I think they can come as early as six months.

Answer 10

When you are big, that's when my wife got them.