Braxton Hicks

[Now we're 3]

Hi

Coupld of questions on Braxton Hicks
- at what stage do braxton hicks start if you get them?
- does everyone get them? and
- what do they feel like?

I'm just under 31 weeks and last night got a really tight sharp pain in my abdomen- kinda accross the middle of my bump. It wasn't like anything I'd ever experienced before. It lasted for about a minute or so. Didn't feel like a period pain or a cramp which would feel lower down. And didn't really feel as if it was moving across more static. It did feel less intense when I straightened up. It just came on all of a sudden and then went away ????

Baby was active before and after so not particularily concerned but just wondered if anyone could shed some light on what it might have been. Haven't read too much on braxton hicks yet so don't know if they kick at my stage or just later?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers Meadsie

[ss_storm]

Sounds like a Braxton Hicks to me! It's basically your uterus "practising" contractions, they shouldn't really hurt as such (although for some people they do), more just a tightening of the muscle. I think they can start around the middle/end of 2nd tri or not until you are in 3rd tri but like most pregnancy things everyone is different! I only ever got a few and they weren't super noticeable, just sometimes my tummy would feel tighter than normal.

[Stevie]

i dont know much about BH either, have read about thema nd everyone says so many different things, I THINK i have had them, they started the other night, i got them a couple of times and havent had any again since. But my whole belly (around bubs) went all tight and rock hard, was a little uncomfortable, but no pain. im not sure of this is them or not.
Im sorry i couldnt be of any help tho

[Early Kids]

My BH's started at approx 20 weeks with Tristan and felt like my belly tightening, not at all painful and would ease up if I changed position. I also got them ALOT when driving/in the car.

You can get them at any stage and you can feel them at any stage, it depends on a lot of things... for instance I didnt feel them until after 28 with Brendan.

[Fleur]

As Sally said, you can get them at any stage.
I had none with my first PG, my second I had them from about 36 weeks, my third a little earlier & this time around 22-24 weeks I think , although in the last couple of weeks they really picked up in intensity.
The last couple of weeks they were so painful / uncomfortable & regular for hours at a time, when i eventually started labour I didn't recognise it as labour for a few hours.
I know it's not much help! but everyone is different. Sounds like it could be BH in your case HTH