Braxton Hicks every night - 35 weeks pregnant.?

Question

I'm about 34/35 weeks pregnant, and I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions for 3 days now, but they aren't just a couple on and off, they start around 8 every night and go on until about midnight.

They aren't painful as such, but twinges "down there"...

Is this normal or should I get it checked out? Has it happened to anyone else? I have an appointment for a scan and check up on Friday, should I just wait until then?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Very normal. I had these just like you. They were nightly, and regular. About every 10 minutes apart and lasting about 30-45 seconds. This was with my second and third baby. I am now 34 weeks with # 4, and am having them still. This time around though the contractions are only 5 minutes apart and last up to one minute. I know exactly what you are going through. It can be stressful. If at anytime you are concerned that they are any more then braxton hicks then call your OB and go to triage at the hospital where you are delivering. Make sure that you mention this to your OB when you go Friday. Things to look for to tell the difference between braxton hicks and real contractions are
~real contractions will get closer together, and last longer
~real contractions are not alleviated by getting up and walking, this will usually increase them.
~real contractions aren't just felt in the abdomen, they usually go around into your lower back too
~watch for loss of plug
~watch for ruptured membranes, from a small trickle or leak, to a large gush
And like I said, if you have any doubts, go get checked. That's what the hospital and staff are there for.

Take care!

Answer 2

Just wait; Braxton Hicks are a nuisance towards the end of pregnancy; one of those things like piles or heartburn that go with the territory. It will all be over soon, not long to go. Braxton hicks are your uterus getting into training for the big day; like it's flexing it's muscles!

Answer 3

i got them all the time nothing to worry about just showing your body is getting ready. but if your contractions or twinges are only a few mins apart its a sign your in labour good luck for the birth it will be a magical experience when the baby comes into this world.

Answer 4

Hi there. I had exactly the same. I started having my pains around 4am and they didn't stop until around 9am. they started on the Wednesday and ran right through until I was induced on the Saturday. My contractions were strong enough to take me to hospital on the Thursday morning and was told I'd be giving birth soon. ...... then they stopped and they sent me back home. Actually had her on the Saturday

Answer 5

B.H can go on for weeks i'm afraid! dont panic! wait til appointment, or if lost muccus plug, waters break or contractions start and get really painful, go and see midwife.
theyre good practice for real thing, only real thing is painful as hell!! you'll know the difference when they begin! but knowledge and preparation are better than going in blind. spend time b4 birth reading, resting, researching, real stories as well as just medical notes!!
have fun and good luck!!

Answer 6

happens to me all of the tiem. the docs weren't concerned really but checked me and i was 2 cm and 50 % effaced ! maybe it will make labor easier and give you a head start. my doc said call when i get more than 6 and hour and they are regular. i wqas about 33 34 weeks when it started

Answer 7

this is normal. your belly is big and puts a lot of pressure down there so by the end of the day it aches. but if ur in doubt see your doctor.with my last pregnancy i ached down there soooooo bad. your baby is probably dropped more and is getting ready for the big day. GOOD LUCK

Answer 8

Perfectly normal. It's totally to be expected at this stage of pregnancy as your body starts to get ready.