Braxton hicks....When do you start experiencing them??

Question

What do they feel like?
Im 21 weeks and had what felt like a stitch, now i have no idea what they feel like as this is my first baby, so i may sound completely stupid but my friend (who has had 2 babies) said they may be braxton hicks??!?!?!

Anyone explain for me, when i would experience them and what they feel like.
Thanx

Answer 1

Braxton Hicks can start as early as the first trimester, but usually aren't strong enough for most women to feel until later in the second trimester or third trimester.

But Braxton Hicks shouldn't be uncomfortable or painful in any way. They are just a painless tightening sensation where your uterus sort of tightens into a hard little basketball.

If you are feeling a "stitch", it's probably muscle pain or round ligament pain from the growing pregnancy. Do some easy stretching, and use a warm heating pad on the spot if it bothers you.

Answer 2

I am currently 29 weeks. I feel sharp pains once in a while down low on the sides (or just one side sometimes). That is just round ligament pains. When you have Braxton Hicks you will actually feel you stomach tightening..comes on weak then a little stronger for a sec, then subsides again. Braxton Hicks will stop if you change position or get up and walk or some activity.

Answer 3

They start as early as 6 weeks but most women do not feel them until 20 weeks or even later. I felt them at 20 weeks.
It feels like a tightening and loosening of your uterus, basically your abdomen/uterus goes rock hard and it may stay like that for 30 seconds. It isn't painful at such, so early in pregnancy, more uncomfortable than anything. They do get more painful and much stronger closer to labour.

Answer 4

You can start feeling them anytime really or even not at all. I felt them at around 10 weeks this time but last time I only felt them at around 24 weeks. I know plenty though who never had them at all.

To me they feel like a tightening of my bump. It can be very uncomfortable as you get bigger but never really painful. Also, it can vary where abouts on your bump you feel it most. Last time it was all over but this time its mostly to my right.

Donna x

Answer 5

I have one child, I started getting them in my 5 or 6 month, by the 8 and 9 month the could stop me dead in my tracks they were so strong. but they only lasted a few seconds

Answer 6

Mine felt just like my stomach getting firm. They never hurt. With my first one, I was three months along before I felt them, with the second and later pregnancies, I was only 8 weeks.

Answer 7

im currently 38 weeks and have had them but didnt hurt as some people have said they just felt uncomfortable.
i guess.....oooooooh......trying to remember lol they roughly started around 20weeks maybe slightly earlier i cant really remember to be honest it feels like years ago now lol. apparently im meant to be getting more now but im not getting any lol, every pregnancy is so different.
They just made my belly feel tight and my belly went rock hard for a few seconds which just feels uncomfortable but not at all painfull,not for me anyway,only lasting maybe 10 seconds or so.

good luck and congratulations on you lil bubba

Answer 8

From 20 weeks. My wife used to get them when she walked or did any physical activity. Well, not any ;-) She said what you felt sounds like one

Answer 9

they would fel like a tightewning sometimes with mild pain and u can get them in the 2nd trimester but if it stitch like u should really get it checked it could be the placenta.

Answer 10

Hi,im sure you can start getting them around 6mths and as your pregnancy progresses they get stronger,by the time your 36wks theyll be blowing your socks off,All the best