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thread: Braxton Hicks - How early can you feel them?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Sep 2008
    In a cloud of madness.
    4,053

    Braxton Hicks - How early can you feel them?

    I remember having BH late with DD. But I swear i'm having them now... and if i didn't know any different I would swear they are real contractions! They hurt like hell, if you timed them they last about 10 - 15 secs and there can be about 8 - 10mins apart but only last a few hours. Then nothing.
    Baby isn't engaged (still laying length ways).

    Is it normal to feel them like this so early?

  2. #2

    Jul 2009
    Australia
    5,102

    I remember my SIL saying she felt them as early as 24 weeks.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    1,572

    Yep - with DD2 I felt them much stronger and earlier. I kept thinking I was in preterm labour! My midwife told me it is common for them to be stronger in second pregnancies. I just had a warm shower, panadol and a lie down, that certainly helped them. HTH

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Feb 2006
    NSW Central Coast
    5,301

    I started haveing then around 16ish wks with DS. Only mild, but they got pretty strong by the end of my pg!

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Sep 2005
    In the middle of nowhere
    9,362

    I felt them about 19weeks with Darc and about 16ish (?) weeks with Nate.
    They were powerful, painful and often took my breath away.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Sep 2005
    In the middle of nowhere
    9,362

    I felt them about 19weeks with Darc and about 16ish (?) weeks with Nate.
    They were powerful, painful and often took my breath away.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Sep 2008
    In a cloud of madness.
    4,053

    Thanks Girls.
    That makes me feel better.
    Ryatha - i've been doing the hot showers, and laying and rocking etc to get past them.

  8. #8

    Jul 2009
    Australia
    5,102

    What do they feel like?

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Sep 2008
    In a cloud of madness.
    4,053

    Hmm.... for me they are tightenings that go all across my tummy like a really bad period cramp/tightening thing - I can't even explain it properly. It hurts like hell .

  10. #10
    Registered User
    Add NaeNae on Facebook

    Sep 2007
    South Gippsland
    3,753

    I never had any braxton hicks contractions that I felt though I was aware my body was doing them from 14 weeks (thanks so 11 ultrasounds I got to see them).

    If it were me I would be going into the hospital to get them checked out especially if they are regular in length and time but I like to err on the side of caution If you are not worried by them then not to worry but if there is a slight niggle in the back of your mind somewhere then go into the hospital and get checked out.... there is no harm in being cautious.

    Nae x

  11. #11
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Feb 2006
    melbourne
    11,462

    with DD1 i first felt them at 20 weeks
    DD2 felt them at 12 weeks

  12. #12

    Jul 2009
    Australia
    5,102

    I don't know if i have experienced them but sometimes my belly is really hard, feels like i have a stitch and i rub my belly then it stops.

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Sep 2005
    In the middle of nowhere
    9,362

    that's them I'd say

  14. #14
    Registered User
    Add UntoldAngel on Facebook

    Nov 2009
    Between concrete walls
    1,885

    I don't know if i have experienced them but sometimes my belly is really hard, feels like i have a stitch and i rub my belly then it stops.
    I get that sensation, sometimes high, sometimes low, I just thought it was bub pushing right out against me...
    Oh the wonders of pregnancy

  15. #15
    Registered User

    Feb 2010
    vic
    42

    im 28 weeks on tuesday & for last 3 days ive been having dull all day cramps dont come&go just there for hours im guessing braxton hicks,i never had it with last 2 but after reading of of your posts im guessing its normal

  16. #16
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    4,427

    I think because its your 2nd child you feel them earlier. I never had them with DD but everyone who has had them have said they are very ouchie!

    maybe they are also more intense because you have had a hectic weekend and been very busy lately. I know its hard but try and take it easy. Big

  17. #17
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Lake Macquarie, NSW
    131

    For me they started around 12 weeks. They didn't hurt then & still don't now at 35 weeks but there is certainly a sensation & my tummy goes so hard it is amazing.

    Every time I get one I praise my body for practicing before the real event....good body
    Last edited by Renee_AW; March 29th, 2010 at 06:45 PM.

  18. #18
    Registered User

    Jan 2009
    Brisbane
    15

    I think i have been getting this from time to time, my stomach seems to go rock hard for about 30 seconds then it goes away.

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