Painful Braxton Hicks

[Crystalwings]

Hi,
i'm just wondering how everyone else is going with BH? I'm 35+1wks and as of yesterday my BH have gotten really painful. Last night i was going to go to the hospy but i layed down and they settled down. I've have niggles and other pains going on for a couple of weeks but these pains were intense BH. Anyway I have also been feeling crampy in the front and back since. Bub is still quite active.

How long did you have painful BH for before you went into labour? When should I go and see someone? I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday arvo as i haven''t seen my doc for 4 wks, should i just wait til then if nothing changes?
TIA

[LimeSlice]

I am a few days ahead of you, but mine have certainly ramped up the last few days too.

I find the best thing for me is rocking my pelvis side to side slowly, or on all fours a few times they have been really bad.
Other than that, and just breathing through them, there is really not much you can do about them - trust they are doing helpful positive things and know your body is doing exactly what it should be to get you ready to birth that baby.

Mention them to the Dr, but again, nothing he can do about them either.
I didn't have them much at all with my DD so can't tell you how long - can tell you that a few women on here have had 'pre-labour' last for a good few weeks, others a couple of days. So no rules, only your body.

Good luck!

[Alan]

Hi Crystalwings

BH can be quite painful for some women and unfortunately there is not much you can do for them. As limeSlice said rocking your hips may help but moving in other ways can also help. There is no need to contact your doctor unless you are concerned or the contractions become regular.

[Crystalwings]

Thanks guys. It's just confusing when you read stuff online and it says that BH shouldn't be painful and if you have cramping to see your doctor. I've just got a constant dull ache in my lower back and period type pain atm and the BH haven't intensified or anything so i'm sure it's just a natural process. I had prelabour for a few weeks last time but don't remember the pains being so painful. Amazing how our bodies change each pregnancy.

[Tink86]

I am 36 weeks and the same has happened to me. This is my second pregnancy and I asked why my BH hurt so much this time and my midwife said the uterus is just more sensitive the second time around. I find squats help and fast, warm shower water on my lower back ease the pain. Also she said they may be from an irritated uterus too?