Irritable Uterus VS. "normal" BH - Alan?

Hi, just wondering what the difference is between Irritable Uterus and Braxton Hicks?

The reason I ask is because in my last PG, I experienced excruciatingly painful runs of BHs from 37 weeks onwards (none of the info I read indicated that level of pain is 'normal' for BHs). Now, for the last month or so (I'm 27 weeks) i've been having very strong BH sensations that are becoming increasingly uncomfortable. They are strong enough to affect the way I walk and seem to be quite frequent.

I have asked the DR about this and she just said if it becomes really painful then you are in labour and need to go to the hospital... which is not a reassuring answer. Where's the line between "normal" BH and Irritable Uterus - is it based on strength, or frequency or duration of contractions?

Anyone?

Hi Marydean!

I have been diagonosed with an Irriatable Uterus this time round. I know exactly how confusing it is trying to differ the 2.

As far as i am aware BH are supposed to be painless but ofcourse they can be, at times, a little painful. BH don't make any changes to your cervix either. Where as an IU can make change to your cervix.

I have been told that if i experience regular contractions (ie - more than 4 in an hour and the contractions last longer than an hour) to call the Birth Suite. But because i have i know i have an IU, i tend to give it a couple of hours. If i think they are regular over the 2 hours i call the Birth Suite and am usually asked to come in.

If you at all concerned about the pain you are experiening when it starts, just keep an eye on the pain and the clock. If you are worried or think the pain is coming like contractions regularly - call the hospital. It does'nt hurt!!

Good luck with it all!

Well said Sara.
The only thing I can add is that BH are irregular in lenght o contraction and occurance.

Thanks very much, Sara and Alan. I think mine are too irregular to indicate any problem, but at least I know now what to look out for without having to wait until I'm in full blown labour to recognise there might be a problem.

Thanks again.