I had painful braxton hicks contractions from 16wks with my first pregnancy and ended up being hospitalised for them at 33,35 and 36wks before delivering at 38wks. This time round Ive had them bad since 13wks but moreso over the last 3-4wks, they get worse if I move/clean/pick up Ds/twist funny/get in or out of bed. I ended up in hospital for a totally unrelated reason last week and apparently ended up in early labour, having painful contractions every 3 min for over an hour. My OB wants to see me on friday to check my cervix and seems really concerned about it all, esp since I ripened quite early with my first pregnancy.

I thought braxton hicks were a normal part of pregnancy - should I be concerned? Would he be checking my cervix length at my appointment on friday?

Has anyone been in a similar situation?