I'm 32 weeks pregnant and all day my stomach has been tightening and softening but i haven't really paid attention cuz it doesn't hurt at all. This is just braxton hicks correct? I have no reason to worry?
And whats the difference between braxton hicks, false contractions, and real ones?
2007-07-30 16:48:48 · 9 answers · asked by Xander and Marie's Mommy 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Yes, that sounds just like Braxton-Hicks contractions.
There is no such thing as "false contractions." Either they are Braxton-Hicks or the real thing.
Braxton-Hicks contractions help to tone and prepare the uterus for labor and in the weeks leading up to labor might actually start dilating and effacing your cervix which sort of gives you a head start.
The difference between the two is NOT pain. Many women have painful Braxton-Hicks contractions later in pregnancy (I always do) but they are not labor contractions.
What really separates the two is that real labor contractions do NOT go away. They steadily increase in intensity and get closer and closer apart.
2007-07-30 16:54:09 · answer #1 · answered by Veritas 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My nurse said last night that Braxton Hicks don't hurt as bad as Contractions...if your stomach is tightening it could be diarea or something like that...or it could just be Braxton Hicks...if no pain then you are all good. Doesn't your doctor give you a write up on what to look for and call in for if you think you are going into labor? Every visit I get a paper on where I am in my pregnancy, what I should be expecting right now, and then a write up on what to do if I have any symptoms and they explain what symptoms I would be having if I were going into labor.
2007-07-30 23:55:55 · answer #2 · answered by Amy V 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sounds like braxton hicks. Your body is just practicing. 32 weeks sounds just right for that to begin.
Everyone is different, but from what I know and from my own experience, real contractions will be regular in timing and won't go away if you lay down, drink a large glass of water or take a warm shower. Many women even feel the real ones in their back to begin with.
When I went into labor with my son I had some bloody show around 7pm, then when I went to bed at 10:45 my contractions started. I definitely knew it was the real thing. They were immediately 5 minutes apart and they were so uncomfortable that I couldn't just sit in bed - I had to get up and I started folding laundry to keep myself moving to bear the discomfort.
Congratulations on your upcoming baby! Let me know if you have other questions.
2007-07-30 23:59:07 · answer #3 · answered by jennsuzy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm 33 weeks right now, my stomach tightens up alot. My Ob said the only real way to tell the diff in fake and real contractions is that when you feel the pain, try walking around or changing the position you are sitting in, activity should make the pains stop if they aren't real. Real contractions however, will not stop no matter what you do. I've had a couple fake ones. The tightening you are feeling may be caused by the baby pressing his back or bottom against you. My little one does that alot. Hopefully I've been helpful. Good Luck!
2007-07-30 23:59:29 · answer #4 · answered by Niky B 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Braxton-Hicks ARE false contractions, or practice contractions, as I like to call them.
However---PRE TERM LABOR is often painless. I would call the doctor, they will probably tell you to drink some water and rest (as even a bit of dehydration can bring them on), and if they don't go away in an hour or so, to go be seen. 32 weeks isn't terrible as far as fetal health but you don't want to give birth just yet-4 more weeks would be much much better.
HTH
2007-07-30 23:57:03 · answer #5 · answered by starrystarrynight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Real labor contraction are supposed to move down your belly. Some even come from the your back, wrap around and down. I only had one contraction like that. It does sound like braxton hicks. If you have any spotting or the become stronger and regular you need to go to the hospital and be checked.
Good Luck and Congratulations
2007-07-30 23:56:25 · answer #6 · answered by Cynthia N 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
braxton hicks is most likly what your experiencing! The difference between the 2 would be pain, real contractions bring on bouts of pain that get stronger and come quicker and quicker with time!
Good luck
2007-07-30 23:53:03 · answer #7 · answered by alishatravis 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
i'm pretty sure thats braxton hicks.
2007-07-30 23:52:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had the same thing with my third baby and it WAS real contractions. I didn't think it was possible to have them without pain. You need to go see your doctor.
2007-07-30 23:53:27 · answer #9 · answered by motorcyclegrandmama 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋