OB concerned with regular braxton hicks - should I be?

[Freya]

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?

[Tobily]

I had my first baby a bit early at 36 weeks.
When I was 31 weeks pregnant with my second I had an episode of really painful, regular BH's that lasted for most of the day. Because I was home alone with my DD I didn't go into hospital, but they were painful and regular enough that I was a bit worried. Nothing I did seemed to settle them down.

Anyway I had an OB appointment 2 days later and I mentioned it - my OB freaked out (as they do). I let him check me - more for his piece of mind since they'd stopped and I wasn't worried - and my cervix was still long and closed, despite having these contractions regularly all day. The rest of the pregnancy went by and baby didn't come early.

So I guess I'd say listen to yourself first of all, if you feel like it's ok then it probably is. Women (esp women who've had babies before) have a knowing when it's time and you don't sound too concerned in yourself so I think that's reassuring But if you want to your ob could certainly check but I don't know that it really tells them much - you could be dilated and not go until your due date, or not be dilated at all and go into labour tomorrow kwim?

[Janie]

Anna, I tend to agree with Flea.

I had regular braxton hicks throughout my pg from about 18 weeks, although they were not too strong. My Ob wasn't concerned about them, he said it was normal. However, I didn't have the problems you have encountered recently! (I read about it in PAML ).

I'm sure it's difficult, but try not to do too much, as I'm sure that makes them worse, and you don't want to go into labour early. It's no fun having a premmie, let me tell you!

I don't know what your Ob will be checking, but although you're not overly concerned, it might give you some peace of mind to know that everything's as it should be at this point.