Braxton-Hicks?

Question

I'm 18 weeks pregnant and I think that I've experienced a few Braxton-Hicks contractions. Is it too early for that? It almost feels like a tightening or knot in my lower abdomen and it's not painful at all but more uncomfortable. It goes almost as soon as it comes and I've had a couple a day over the last 4 days or so. I haven't had any bleeding (or even spotting) or other cramping but I have noticed that I have to go to the washroom a lot more lately. I have an appointment with my OB next Tuesday so I want to wait until then if I can.

Answer 1

I wouldnt worry. I am 18 weeks too and have been experiencing them for a week or two now. It almost feels like menstrual cramps. I called my dr. this weekend and he said it is totally normal and as long as they arent getting stronger/more frequent, and there is no blood, then nothing to worry about!

Answer 2

As a father of two and a third on the way, I don't pretend to be a doctor, and I certainly haven't experienced any contractions - apparently men don't seem to get them! However, when we had our first baby we were given a lot of info and explanations on contractions. The main relevant point of interest is that we were advised that contractions start almost as soon as prefgnancy begins, but are too infrequent and too gentle to detect, and they become more frequent and more pronounced throughout the pregnancy, accelerating towards the end when "labour" kicks in and finally birth. The key point we were advised of is that there is little, if any, difference between Braxton Hicks and labour contractions, they are just less frequent and less pronounced (i.e. gentler), and throughout pregnancy the uterus is going through a sort of a "training" process to ensure that the uterine muscles are geared up for birth. If the contractions become any worse than uncomfortable then you may well be going into premature labour - but before you panic remember I don't know anything about you and I'm also not a doc. Lso remember that every person is different, and so is every foetus, so what happens to one expectant mum doesn't necessarily happen to another, or to the same degree.

Answer 3

I had Braxton hicks all the time from 20 weeks until I had the baby at 40 weeks. They can be so annoying. I would always worry about overreacting and bothering my doctor, or underreacting during premature labor. My doctor told me to pay attention to their frequency. If there are 6 or more an hour for two hours, you should take a warm bath. If the bath makes them stop, it's okay. If they keep coming and become more intense and closer together, you should go to the office or ER to get checked out. They can check your cervix to see if the contractions are doing anything. I went in twice for false labor and felt really dumb. However, I'd rather feel dumb and get reassured by medical professionals. I still think you should call your doctor, even though you have an appointment next Tuesday. He's (or she's) a doctor, that's why he gets paid big bucks, to reassure and inform his patients.

Answer 4

Everybody's body is different, I felt my baby at 4 weeks I knew I was pregnant. This is my third pregnancy and before I was pregnant I worked out and had a tight stomach. I felt my Braxton hicks early on also and have the same tightening in my lower abdomen. I'm having it right now as I'm typing. I'm not worried it's not painful. A lot of times when I have the Braxton-Hicks I have to run to the bathroom. Your baby is moving around remember there is not that much room for the baby in your uterus.

Answer 5

No... my sister started having Braxton Hicks around that time. I, however, am 28 weeks and I just started having them when I was about 25 weeks. But everyone is different, and as long as you dont have any bleeding or severe cramps that make you want to hunch over Im sure you are fine. But if you are still worried ask your doctor Tuesday....

Answer 6

I'll tell you what... don't get worried with what I'll tell you. If you feel uncomfortable and not sure then you should see you ob/gyn. I had experienced those kinds of pains that early... from 19 weeks my doctor had to put me on high risk and make me take a special medication to prevent contractions. It helped. I gave birth to a healthy baby boy who is smart... 2 years old and is starting pre-school in september... it may just be Braxton-Hicks ... my advice is to check with your doctor just to be on the safe side... you should never feel silly about that ... if it turns out they are... it's your baby.

Answer 7

i have been having the exact same thing for my entire pregnancy. it doesn't hurt but is very uncomfortable, when it gets all tight like that. i never had them with my first pregnancy. the midwife told me they were just my muscles stretching, but the doc told me last month to make sure i don't have 4 in an hour. so i'm not sure what they are, contractions or Braxton Hicks. i'm 30 weeks, and if they arent' too worried about them, i try not to be, but its hard not to worry.

Answer 8

You can experience the braxton-hicks contractions now. However, since you're concerned....call your obgyn and let them know of your fears. They will advise you on what to do next.

Sometimes if your really active can cause these contractions. So, sit and relax and drink plenty of water!!! Good luck!!

Answer 9

Sounds like Braxton-Hicks to me! I started mine very early too....they are no fun! Your OB should reassure you next week.

Good luck!

Answer 10

No its not too early to be getting them. Most people do, it just because they arent painful that early on that they go unnoticed. If your not in pain and not bleeding or anything then you should be ok to leave it til your next apt and mention it then!