Am I feeling contractions?

Hello everyone. I've been really lucky with the pregnancy symptons in that I've pretty much been able to carry on as normal. I'm now nearly 23 weeks and went to a spinning class for 50 mins yesterday morning (as normal) and then walked the dog. But while walking, I got these pains in my lower belly - almost like someone pulling a belt around me really tightly and it took the wind right out of me. I kept pulling my jeans away from my belly (even though they're not remotely tight) to help me breathe. I've heard of 'practice' braxton hicks contractions - could this be what I was experiencing... or something more innocent (wind perhaps?! LOL) What worries me is that I got them about every minute for a good ten or so minutes. And I've heard that if you get more than 6/hour it could be a sign of early labour (very early labour in my case). Anyone got any advice?? Many thanks...

It sounds like Braxton Hicks to me. If you are concerned don't ever hesitate to call your hospital or obs, they will be able to reassure you or they will ask you to come in to get checked out JIC. It's always best to be on the safe side :)

Yup could be braxton hicks. I had them starting from about 22 weeks and some days I'd get them every 10 minutes and it would last an hour or so. I would have to undo my pants, lol, because it was just too uncomforable otherwise, and sit up really straight. If you are worried, give your midwife/hospital a call.

Definitely could be. I have had trouble with painful Braxton Hicks and threatened pre-term labour with most of my pregnancies. I have an irritable uterus that whilst inconvenient and distressing at times, has never led to proper pre-term labour.

I found particularly in the last few pregnancies that I just cannot cope with having any pressure at all across my lower abdomen as this sets them off horribly. I buy really really BIG knickers and don't wear low rider maternity wear. Once I hit twenty weeks, I start drinking red raspberry leaf tea which is a uterine tonic - it *won't* bring on labour, but helps strengthen and co-ordinate uterine muscle so that the irritability settles down.

This pregnancy the contractions have happened since fourteen weeks and they are uncomfortable but because I am so used to them now and don't stress about them, I don't feel them as pain.

I can't stress though enough that if they get regular, don't get better when you lie down or are accompanied by any unusual discharge, please go and get checked out ASAP.

I agree with the others - it def sounds like Braxton hicks. I also started getting them at around 23 weeks, and also after exercise.

I get them quite often now, and they're more intense after any kind of physical activity (including house work!).

Just remember that BH are perfectly normal and its your body's way of preparing itself. Your baby also gets an extra boost of blood supply when they occur.

Keep an eye on it though and note down how often they occur and whether anything in particular sets them off. I would then tell your care provider when you see them next, so they are aware of them.

HTH

Thanks everyone. I've got an ante-natal appt on Weds so I'll mention it then. Maybe they'll tell me I'm over exercising or something... hope not though. I'm flying from the UK to the US on my own in 2 weeks time - you don't think it's risky under the circumstances, do you? I guess my midwife/doc will say if it is!