20 weeks too early to have bad braxton hicks?

Question

i'm a little confused. i thought braxton hicks could or couldnt be painful depending on the person. the pain starts in my middle back and wraps around the right side of my belly. i had a BAD one the day i was scheduled for 1st ultrasound... lasted from 3am - 6am, ultrasound was OK and doctor not concerned. then i had a small painful one this morning.

Answer 1

No. You can have these pretty the whole pregnancy. Sadly some times they hurt worse than regular contractions!

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.)

Hope this helps. Congrads and good luck I'm 27 weeks!!

Answer 2

Braxton hicks can start that early... the feeling is different in each person. Your body is just practicing and I wouldn't worry about it too much. I had Braxton Hicks with both of mine starting that early... they came every day and sometimes very regularly. They were sometimes painful and other times only noticeable if I had my hand on my belly. All the stuff about them not being timable, not painful, not regular, etc is not helpful... Just try to listen to your instincts and trust them. If something feels way different, or you just have a feeling that something is wrong, get checked out. If you feel like everything is fine, then relax. In the end, these Braxton Hicks contractions help make labor progress wonderfully.

Answer 3

Braxton Hicks ARE NOT completely painless. They "should be" painless, but sometimes they can hurt. If it is your first, 20 weeks may be a bit early. If you've had one or more babies before, 20 weeks is right about right.
I had real bad ones twice around that time. We had gone on vacation. The thing is, we brought our one year old and when we vacation, we go and go and go. I got overly tired and that is what brought on the contractions. I am now 33 weeks and everything is fine. You just need to relax. Look at your lifestyle and make sure you are getting enough rest and water.

Answer 4

nope not too early.....though if they are painful then i would say those are most likely ligament pains

ligaments stretching with your uterus can be quite painful but should soon clear up...i had those right around 20-24 weeks with my first pregnancy and i got so scared thinking they were contractions

braxton hicks should only be uncomfortable and make your belly super hard and tight for a minute

Answer 5

Not at all. Braxton Hick's generally begin in the second trimester.

Answer 6

When I was having horrid cramps and pains at about 14 weeks my obstetrician told me they were BH. According to her, women have BH contractions right from the start of implantation, but usually they are not felt until later pregnancy. Some women just feel them sooner. At first I didn't know if I believed her, but did some googling and found a couple of other doctors who said the same thing. Can't remember the sites to provide you links though, sorry!

Answer 7

if they are bad they arent braxton hicks. call your doctor asap. braxton hicks contractions are completely painless