Labor question/ braxton hicks?

Question

I know every pregnant woman out there wants to know "WHEN will I go into LABOR!?" So please check your crystal balls:) j/k

But I have to ask a general question and hopefully get some personal experience. This is my second, I'm 30 weeks and since about 28 weeks I've been having braxton hicks. They are no where near regular but over the past two weeks and esp. this week, they are more and more frequent and a little more intense. I mentioned at my last appt. that I was having them, and of course they weren't concerned and my next appt. is Tuesday. Is this normal this early? I just really didn't have them my first time down this road and I thought they came on later in pregnancy (which I know now that they can start in the 2nd trimester) With any of your personal experiences, did frequent, somewhat intense BH mean early labor- should I be concerned at all? Thanks so much for your answers!

Answer 1

My cystal ball said you'll have your baby next Tuesday. KIDDING!! Please don't hold me to that...

I've had 4 kids. Especially with my last one I had braxton hicks for a couple of weeks before hand. You're ok. Just your body "practicing". Don't worry.

Answer 2

i started the braxton hicks around 5 months and they were every so often, the for stronger and i had them every day probably soemtiems in my 7th month, so its normal. my dr explained that not only do you get them because your body is practicing but you can get them when you havent emptied your bladder, if your doing too much activity, etc. there are several reasons for them besides real labor getting started. wait until the real ones start before you get concerned, or if your dilated or towards the end. but you seem pretty ok and it sounds normal to me cause i was the same way with both pregnancies. however ALWAYS tell your dr because then they might want to check your cervix just in case and then you'll definitely know. you can even be bold and ask them to check you if you want. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

Yeah thats how I was with my first, I went into Maternity ward 2 times and it was fake, but 3rd time was the charm I was In labor, never been to sure what the difference it. But im sure if u were in labor labor you would know and not just worried. Weird thing is I am 39 weeks pregnant with my 2nd kid, due tuesday and I have no pains like that yet!

Goodluck!

Answer 4

i had braxton hicks contractions from mid second trimester on. finally got to the point that i didn't notice them, when we went in two weeks prior to due date for a scheduled c-section i was having them the whole time and the RN that was checking my printouts was amazed that i could not feel them! guess i did feel them, but by 38 weeks i was so uncomfortable and my belly was so tightly stretched, that i guess i didn't differentiate the feelings.

they will check you again on tuesday - let them know you're still having those contractions and perhaps they will do a dilation exam. your doc will be able to tell if the baby is in distress or you are overly dilated. just try to relax. it helps to spend at least 20 minutes/day laying down with your feet above your heart.

Answer 5

BH are part of your body getting prepared to deliver the baby. It's perfectly normal for you to have them at 30 weeks - if the baby is born at 32 weeks, he's considered full-term. I had them with both of mine - with the second one I had them at 31 weeks and after a week of daily hospital visits, the OB decided to induce labor.

Answer 6

NO it's not too early, I had some intense ones around the same time but my son also came out 3 wks earlier than my due date.....you might be a litttle further along than they think. Stress can cause them early though too so relax if you are stressed. Congrats, and good luck!

Answer 7

I wouldn't be concerned about them. Second pregnancies, from what I have read, tend to be more intense earlier.

Until your midwife/doctor shows a reason to be concerned or worry, relax!