Braxton hicks?

[Marley&Me]

Hi I think I have just realised I may be experiencing braxton hicks contractions and have been for a while now. I have read up on it, but just need to confirm I guess. My belly goes really tight and it's quite uncomfortable. I can actually feel with my hand how hard it goes then it softens up again. It only ever lasts about 30 seconds. I haven't mentioned this to my OB yet because I thought it was just the baby pushing.

Does this sound like braxton hicks?
And is this anything to worry about this early?

[Strawman]

Hi Tasha,

Definitely sounds like practice contractions, I'm 24 weeks and have been having noticeable ones for a week now. Nothing to worry about although it still surprised me this time around, to think there are 16 weeks left of them!

Nicnac

[Marley&Me]

Thanks nicnac, I have been having them for at least 6 weeks I think. As long as it's nothing to worry about.....

[Razzberry]

yes, sounds like braxton hicks. I had them from from about 18 weeks with my first and then 24 weeks with my second.

[vic261]

I have read that braxton hicks happen every 20 mins through the whole pg. its meant to help with blood flow to the uterus. I guess in the early stages our uterus is too small to feel them but now its bigger we can feel them.

[Marley&Me]

The only book I have is the good old 'What to expect when you're expecting' a friend gave me and it doesn't mention braxton hicks until 28 weeks and over. So I thought maybe there was something wrong!

Thanks ladies!

[Stevie]

sounds like BH to me, never knew what they were with DD but nowi know and ive been having them every now and then for over week (so since 19 weeks or so)
i remember with DD i used to yell out to DH and we'd both grope my belly in wonder at how rock hard it was lol

[Marley&Me]

Stevie, we did the same thing! I told my DH to come and poke my belly and it was hard as a rock! I probably had 2 or 3 today at work. But I also have them relaxing watching TV, so it can't be from overdoing it.

[mummaof2]

Yep those are BH. I've been getting them since about 16-17 weeks so long time and alot sooner than I did with DD, nothing to worry about. I told my OB at my last apt and he just did a quick check over my cervix to reassure me they were just practice ones and nothing to be concerned about.