Braxton Hicks vs Contractions?

Ever since my OB appointment on Tuesday and the attempted ECV, things seem to have changed, the Nifedipine isn't working as well, I have been on 80-100mg (slow release form) for the afternoon evening and it isn't giving me much relief at all. I was on 40-60mg per day prior to Tuesday, and was coping a lot better.

The underside of my belly is very sore and I am more uncomfortable, my belly is rock hard and my lower back is constantly aching. It didn't used to start until 4-5pm, but since Tuesday midday/1pm is when it is all happening :(

During the ECV my OB had to stop as I was contracting, but she hasn't felt what my tummy goes like in the late afternoon or evening, when it goes very hard constantly, which is why I am on the Nifedipine. Thoughts have been I may have an irritable uterus.

With DD I never felt ctx in my belly as she was posterior so it was lower back pain.

I am hoping that it is just BH's still, but I don't know what ctx at the front actually feel like, or by the time I would have been getting them I was pushing and my mind was on other pain :lol:

I am going to try taking the Nifepdipine first thing in the morning rather than at lunch time and see if it keep the pain at bay, but if it doesn't work tomorrow I think I will give my OB a call and chat to the MW.

I haven't had any period type cramping which is making me think it isn't ctx that are doing something "major".

My contractions with miss s felt like really really bad period pain cramps. Like a stabbing type feeling - hard to explain...

hi Beema

i have only seen a few of your posts here and there so don't know too much about you but why were you having an ECV at 28 weeks ?

regardless if you are concerned definitely call your ob this morning, i hope things settle for you !

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My contractions with miss s felt like really really bad period pain cramps. Like a stabbing type feeling - hard to explain...

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Thanks hun, that makes sense and what I am going to look out for, so far have only had the occassional cramp, but never anything that has alterted me to call my OB or go into hospital.

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hi Beema

i have only seen a few of your posts here and there so don't know too much about you but why were you having an ECV at 28 weeks ?

regardless if you are concerned definitely call your ob this morning, i hope things settle for you !

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My OB attempted an ECV because I have a septate uterus, which means there is a division/wall down the centre of my uterus towards the cervix, generally with this uterine abnormality an ECV is not an option, because there isn't the ability to turn the baby and ECV's aren't generally attempted until about 36 weeks or so, which would be impossible at that stage of pregnancy. In this situation bubs have to turn either facing your front or back.

At this weeks appointment my fluid levels had made a sharp rise (after being low for many weeks) and baby had shifted into a frank breech rather than footling, so there was an opportunity to try and spin baby now while there was a bit more room, we did achieve success but baby chose to go straight back after both attemps.

Also at having DD at 33 weeks, with no warning following PPROM and a very quick delivery, possiblly due to IC (Incompentent Cervix) which is being monitored, we want bub celphic as soon as we can if possible. I had no cramping, just back pain and was 7-8cm on arrival in the delivery suite.

The tightening and lack of cramping makes it sound like bh, are you getting the back pain?

For me ctx start in my back, I get cramping then my belly contracts.


I had no idea first time either couldn't tell you if I had any it was all so fast.

Hope it has settled for you overnight Vic, :crossfingers: that it is just some strong BH due to the ECV and settles down soon. :hug:

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The tightening and lack of cramping makes it sound like bh, are you getting the back pain?

For me ctx start in my back, I get cramping then my belly contracts.


I had no idea first time either couldn't tell you if I had any it was all so fast.

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I have lower back pain, which is constant, as with my belly being very hard and tight, but no cramping so I'm of the thought that it is just BH's. I guess I feel a bit uncertain as I never got the cramping with DD, but that would be because she is posterior and this bub is breech so hopefully I would get it as a sign.

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Hope it has settled for you overnight Vic, :crossfingers: that it is just some strong BH due to the ECV and settles down soon. :hug:

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I am hoping that is what it is. It went on all night was still struggling to sleep at 4:30 this morning, but I got a few hours after that, but as soon as I moved/rolled over, or got up, it contracted straight away :rolleyes:

I've taken Nifedipine first thing this morning, and will do again later in the day and hopefully that will improve things.

Not sure Beema, dd1 was breech bum first and mine were only in the back I only felt them in my tummy for the last few ctx before the cs, but maybe it's because we were both early?

I felt the ctx in my belly with dd2 at 35 weeks, she was engaged though.

quick call to the OB might be in order too.....

The way i could tell mine apart were. Braxton hicks were in the front it wasnt until i started getting the back pain i knew i was having real contractions. And then it became like really bad period pain.

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Not sure Beema, dd1 was breech bum first and mine were only in the back I only felt them in my tummy for the last few ctx before the cs, but maybe it's because we were both early?

I felt the ctx in my belly with dd2 at 35 weeks, she was engaged though.

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quite possible, I wish this sort of thing was consistent so we knew either way :lol:

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quick call to the OB might be in order too.....

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her office opens at 9:30am so will give them a call and see :)

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The way i could tell mine apart were. Braxton hicks were in the front it wasnt until i started getting the back pain i knew i was having real contractions. And then it became like really bad period pain.

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Thanks hun :)

my contractions were like my insides were being squashed together, kinda like when u make a fist that sort of action.. :lol: sorry not a great discription...
they were sharp compared to my braxton hicks being more of a ache...

hope things have settled down with the nifedipine :pray:

Things started up @ 10:30am even with the Nifedipine this morning, my OB wants me to go into her office for CTG monitoring, because she wants to see what is happening, so when my friend arrives I will head over.

My ctx were more in my thighs than my belly, which apparently is a sign that the cervix is dilating. I'm glad you are going in though it sounds like a check-up might be a good idea.

Hope it all goes well beema. Fingers crossed that your ob can give you some answers.

Hope she can stop it hon.... Stay put Flicker! Upside down is fine, but remember inside!! not time to play outside yet!

hey beema. I hope everything is ok, please pop into our Belly buddy thread when you know wats going on.

the best way i can describe my tummy pain contractions was it felt like the pain u get when you get bad diarrhoea.

Hope everything is ok hun :crossfingers:

Just seen this thread hun, I hope the CTG went ok this morning and you're alright.

Contractions for me with both my bubs (DS at full term & DD obviously prem as you know) were all down low, at my cervix and very crampy, just like strong period pain. I never got anything across my belly or back - it was all down low and unmistakenly the pain associated with dilating. I never had any BH with either so hard to make a comparison though.

Thinking of you hun, I sincerely hope Flicker is staying put for you :crossfingers:

Just a quick update I was in at my OB's office on the CTG, I'm having contractions every 15 min, lasting 1.5-2m and quite strong, and inbetween a very irritable uterus that won't relax. So on a constant higher dose of Nifedipine, plus boosters of a quick relase form, and now on bed/couch rest for the net few days to hopefully slow everything down, my cervix is holding it's own at the moment so jsut gotta calm this baby and uterus down. Still got lots of baking to do before meeting this baby!

Hopefully DH will set things up so I can come on BB :D

big hugs babe :hug: hope you are holding up ok xx

Lots more hugs & stay put vibes from me Beema. Definitely take the next few days to rest, I hope things start to subside. It must be so very stressful for you, not to mention uncomfortable.

Get lots of rest Beema, join me on the couch!! Hope they stop soon. xx

big hugs and positive thoughts for you

Oh Vic I've just caught up on this! I hope it's all settled down today! Stay put flicker!!!

Bit worried about Beema and Flicker.... nothing on BB or FB since last night.... :pray: that she's glued to the couch without the laptop or that the ctx have stopped and Flicker is staying put.....

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Bit worried about Beema and Flicker....

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Me too Pixie, just hoping that everything is ok.

Oh gosh, hope everything is ok...

I'm still here, and yes glued to the couch lying down. I can only sit up for short periods of time and even those are causing contractions to come in runs and inbetween my tummy is constantly tight :(

I am dissapointed and have had a cry, I am upset that my body is failing Flicker, but lucky that I am at home and not in hospital and my OB is treating me and trying everything to keep me @ home, but if I do end up there a friend is already in and is @ 32 weeks. My OB said yesterday that between 28-32 weeks the uterus can get more irritated due to rises in amniotic fluid and when baby has bigger growth spurts while it is trying to catch up, and if we can get through these next few weeks we have a chance to go further. And to see on the CTG to see how irritated it was, and then to see the contractions was a surprise, I feel like an idiot for not knowing and thinking that the tightenings were Flicker stretching out :redface:

I am limited to only toilet trips and eating, the rest of the time I am stuck to the couch or bed, which is all frustrating as I am just want to do things.

I can't seem to update FB or BB from my phone :doh: I am sorry it has taken me this long to get back online I don't mean to worry you all :hug:

DH is being great he cooked up breakfast is looking after DD, took her to swimming and is now off doing the food shopping :D He is also setiing up the tv and dvd player in the bed room for me.

29 weeks today and I know that 10 weeks ago I would have been thrilled to make it to this point so I just need to find those positive thoughts again and refocus, but atm I'm just a bit emotionally shot, and after things were looking good on Tuesday and I was feeling really positive and was of the thought that the small rise in the Nifedipine would get me another week or two, but didn't expect things to have changed so quickly....

Oh honey :( I can't imagine what you are feeling - but remember what is in your ticker "flicker is a fighter"

Just remember that. Together you guys can get over this hurdle and into a full term kind of thing ;) Or hey, you could even be cool like me and go to 42 weeks.. cos thats like... wayyyy cool.... ;)

:hug:

Honey it has been such a battle for you every day to hang on to Flicker, you have come such a long way, but contractions are exhausting, especially after BHs for so long. It's not surprising you're feeling a bit down when you had a brief moment to relax and now you are back to fighting every step of the way.
Don't feel bad for not realising the ctx were the real thing.... you were just trying to be positive. Lay back and let DH look after you (and anyone else who's around). You can do this, no matter which way it plays out.... thinking of you constantly - was very worried about you last night and this morning.

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Or hey, you could even be cool like me and go to 42 weeks.. cos thats like... wayyyy cool....

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:rofl: Mel!

Oh and please remember that whatever limitations your body may have, your heart, mind and spirit more than make up for them. You have been chosen to parent your children through the challenges they face because you are strong enough, brave enough, and unfailingly positive enough to do it.
Please know that we all believe in you 100%. Especially me.
:hug:

Sweetie you are not failing Flicker, and you are not an idiot. Please try to be gentle with yourself....but I understand wholeheartedly right now just how hard that can be and how emotive this all is for you. Hopefully a good rest over the coming weeks will get you over the 28-32 week hump your OB was talking about?

As you know, just take it one day at a time. Call in the troops to support you & DH - whoever is around & can help - just ask. You are a strong woman and Flicker is one strong bubba - just like N. Take comfort in that and keep those thoughts positive.

Sending you lots of love & strength right now, I sense that you got quite a few more weeks of baking left yet.

Thinking of you Beema. Please do not feel that you are failing Flicker in any way, I believe that this is the path that both you and your baby were chosen to walk because you are stong enough and loving enough to defeat the challenges and both of you will look back on this later and be proud of what you have acheived together.

Sending you the strength and focus for these coming days and weeks and praying that you little Flicker bakes for a few more weeks (at least).

:hug: I too believe in you.

Thanks girls :hug:, had a pretty rough night last night and early this morning. For an hour and a half last night they were just all on top of each other, and I have been lying down through them so there is no pressure on my cervix, it seems so against everything I should to do relieve the pain, but Flicker is still tucked up inside so that is what is important, I would rather go through the pain then Flicker...

So feeling very sore and tired but crossing my fingers that tonight is a better night.

MIL is on her way down to help as well, bringing food and to help DH out as we usually do a lot of meal prep for work for the week on Sundays. I think she is staying down to take Nakita to the Playschool concert tomorrow, I soooo wanted to take her but it just isn't going to be possible :(

The plan is to get through each day, only 6 days and I'm into the 30's! Hopefully it won't be like it has been the last few day not sure how long I can go through that....

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Or hey, you could even be cool like me and go to 42 weeks.. cos thats like... wayyyy cool....

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Can I be totally cool and join the 42 week club? Althought I don't think I could go through ctx like I have been having especially last night for the next 13 weeks :o

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Honey it has been such a battle for you every day to hang on to Flicker, you have come such a long way, but contractions are exhausting, especially after BHs for so long. It's not surprising you're feeling a bit down when you had a brief moment to relax and now you are back to fighting every step of the way.
Don't feel bad for not realising the ctx were the real thing.... you were just trying to be positive. Lay back and let DH look after you (and anyone else who's around). You can do this, no matter which way it plays out.... thinking of you constantly - was very worried about you last night and this morning.
:rofl: Mel!

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Thanks hun, I'm so sorry to worry you :hug: you can always sms me, I just can't update BB from my phone and for some reason FB wouldn't let me change my status either :rolleyes: and I can't spend long up on my laptop...

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Sweetie you are not failing Flicker, and you are not an idiot. Please try to be gentle with yourself....but I understand wholeheartedly right now just how hard that can be and how emotive this all is for you. Hopefully a good rest over the coming weeks will get you over the 28-32 week hump your OB was talking about?

As you know, just take it one day at a time. Call in the troops to support you & DH - whoever is around & can help - just ask. You are a strong woman and Flicker is one strong bubba - just like N. Take comfort in that and keep those thoughts positive.

Sending you lots of love & strength right now, I sense that you got quite a few more weeks of baking left yet.

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Thanks hun, and with all that you are going through at the moment :hug: I hope your senses are right, would love to see September :D

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Thinking of you Beema. Please do not feel that you are failing Flicker in any way, I believe that this is the path that both you and your baby were chosen to walk because you are stong enough and loving enough to defeat the challenges and both of you will look back on this later and be proud of what you have acheived together.

Sending you the strength and focus for these coming days and weeks and praying that you little Flicker bakes for a few more weeks (at least).

:hug: I too believe in you.

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Thankyou hun :hug: just gotta get through this time and refocus...

I'm thinking of u heaps Vic!!! I'm sorry u are in pain. Ease up on mumma flicker.

Not what I wanted to read Beema, was hoping it had all eased up for you. Maybe try a bath that might help a bit if you can manage it, that's what worked for me a couple of weeks ago it takes the pressure off you both.

Just wanted to pop in and give you :hug: hun. Hopeing and :pray: that flicker stays still for a while longer and your uterus stops being so irritable.