Irritable uterus and Braxton hicks = anxious Mumma!

[Hunter Mum]

Anybody have any ideas on reducing anxiety? I'm 33wks tomorrow, Miss 4 came at 36wks and I've been suffering IU and BH for a while now. But tonight is particularly bad. I know rest is really the only thing but I'm currently sorting through baby clothes and thinking I should pack a hospital bag for baby and I and an overnight bag for Miss 4. Silly, I know it's nothing serious but I'm not looking forward to the next 6 weeks (having a c/s at 39wks) of questioning every little pain and BH. I didn't realise I was in labour last time, I thought it was just BH!

[Rose_19]

I also have an irritable Uterus- when I was still working I would get 300+ BH contractions a day! It has settled since finishing up work, but I still have some bad days where my belly will be sore, tight and hard for hours, and has been accompanied by period type pain the last 3 weeks. I'm 37 weeks on Wednesday.
I don't have any advice except to rest as much as you can. And if it makes you feel any better, all the midwives and doctors I have spoken to have said that having IU doesn't mean you are more likely to go early

My mum had the same, all 4 of her babies came on time.
The only thing I'm worried about is not feeling contractions, so not knowing when to go to hospital! My mum never felt contractions. Her water broke, then she gave birth 1.5-2 hours later with all 4 of us kids!

[Ladylove]

I've never been told I had an irritable uterus but with DD and this pregnancy I've had regular BH since 17 or so weeks plus lots of pre-period type tightenings. DD was 5 days late! So try not to worry, of course you would be anxious about preterm labour given your direct experiences but lots of us just have very active, muscly uteruses it seems!

[Nelle]

For what it's worth, I had an irritable uterus my last pregnancy when I was quite dehydrated. I think I read that dehydration can do that? When I drank a stack of water, things got much better for me. It might not be the case for you, but I just thought I'd mention it cos it's warm these days. And perhaps keeping hydrated would help you feel like you are 'doing' something to try and help. Frustrating, isn't it. I hope things settle a bit for you.

[raffy]

I've had an IU all three pgncies and had regular BHs from 18 weeks. DS1 came at 41+5 DS2 came at 38+5 and DD is still safe inside and I'm 37 weeks tomoro I no it's easier said than done but try not to stress, just rest as much as possible

[Hunter Mum]

Thanks everyone, we've had so much chaos over the last 3 months with selling and moving now looking at a possible interstate move so I'm feeling a little unorganised. I think I need to just push through get on top of everything then I won't be concerned about if I go early because I'll be prepared. Silly how our minds work sometimes isn't it. Appreciate your reassurance and advice.