strong braxton hicks

[Jen27]

Hi

I'm 40 weeks on sunday (according to LMP, or could be 40 weeks tomorrow according to scan)

For the past week I've been having very strong braxton hicks. For the past few days they have been getting even stronger, my back aches, I get hot and sweaty and last night I even had to have a panadol . The past about 3 nights they have been keeping me awake, I didn't go to bed till 3am last night, then woke again with a strong contraction at 4am, where poor DH had to rub my back. They feel like very bad period cramping, through my back and front. Its a bit dishearting as I keep reading braxton hicks aren't painful! Its also tiring not being able to sleep at night. I thought that happened once baby was here!

I'm I a wimp!? Is there a difference between braxton hicks contractions and pre-labour ones?

I have had braxton hicks since about 28 weeks, and they have been very mild till the last couple of weeks. A week ago I was only getting the strong ones after going for a pee at night, as though it was triggering them (I have been checked for bladder infection etc, nothing. And I'm up going the toilet at least 6-8 times a night), but now at night I get them fairly often.

Has any one else experienced strong ones? is this likely to go on for another 2 weeks!? I'm going the doctor on monday, just for a checkup. I don't want to be induced, I'd rather let it all happen naturally, but all these pains are making a stretch and sweep sound tempting. (though I still think I will turn it down if I get asked if I want one.)

thanks

[Shades]

I'd be thinking prelabour... Can go for quite a while before actual labour starts.

[Jen27]

thanks for the reply shades

I wonder if strong braxton hicks/or long prelabour can mean a faster labour? I'm just a little concerned as we are a 2 hour drive from the hospital! (we live in the country)

[Alan]

Hi Jen
You are not a wimp. For some women Braxton Hicks can be very painful.

[Shades]

It can do... I think prelabour can do a lot of the groundwork for dilation and effacement... but if it's your first I don't think it'll be that much of a problem, it probably wouldn't be THAT quick...