Constant Braxton-Hicks early on?

[Peregrin]

Has anyone experienced very frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions (say, 10 per hour) from the end of the second trimester? If so, what was the outcome for you - did you end up delivering early?

I realise this is utterly unscientific, but I'll take anecdote in the absence of statistically significant data :)

I was basically caught with pretty strong - but painless - contractions every 3-4 minutes when I went in for monitoring for a different issue in week 28 or 29. I've been put on Utrogestan (200g, three times a day orally) and my cervix measured a normal length a few days after and a week after even though my contractions did not significantly diminish. So my obstetrician suggested I don't need a follow-up appointment sooner than four weeks.

I thought my uterus calmed down a bit since then but it's been going full throttle again lately and I'm sitting at work wondering how fast my cervix is likely to shrink up given the above.

[Kelly1814]

Yes, I've been the same since about 15 weeks. Am now 30. I had a cerclage but doc says not liked to that.

At times they have been triggered by recurring UTIs, at times I had no symptoms for these. Have they checked you for these?

Otherwise my doc says I just have to live with them. Am also on daily 400 mg of progesterone which sometimes seems to help, sometimes not.

I feel for you, as well as being uncomfortable mine also make me feel a bit panicky as I wonder if am going into labour. On a bad day I get them very 5 minutes or so. Today was a bit better and only maybe 3 an hour.

[Peregrin]

Hi Kelly,

That's the thing for me as well - I could live with the discomfort but it's the worry of premature labour that's more difficult.

I've been checked for UTIs but I tested negative, and they can't really tell what brought this on. My doctor had a little chuckle as he said it usually gets worse in subsequent pregnancies, so he can't imagine what my uterus will get up to next time... thanks doc! :)

Here's to hoping we both make it to term with healthy babies!

[Kelly1814]

sorry to hear you're going through this too but it is helpful to know am no alone!

been on sofa tonight with heaps of the things. vey uncomfortable.

have a scan tomorrow so let's see if any more light can be shed on it. how many week are you?

[Peregrin]

Hope your scan went well, Kelly!

I am 31 weeks now - still pretty early!

[Trazzletoes]

Hi peregrin I have 2 DCs and with both had strong Braxton Hicks pretty much daily from 24 weeks. To the point where they felt like I was going in to labour and would keep me awake at night as I was anxious and timing them etc just in case.

With DS this terrified me but with DD I was more relaxed about it although ironically it was with her that I was hospitalised for it and given the steroid injections in case it was early labour.

It was constantly reinforced on me to take it easy as it was thought that stress played a part (though how to chill out when you have a toddler...)

Anyway, 2 babies both born after their due dates.

Try to relax and take care of yourself as much as possible.

[Kelly1814]

Hi peregrin, scan was good thanks which was a relief as have not all been so positive lately.

Consultant not worried about the BH, am working slightly reduced hours, resting as much as poss when not working, using progesterone suppositories (not a treat) so it just seems like one of those things.

Today I was getting them right up to under my rib cage, made it hard to breathe and a bit panicky. They are worse when sitting upright. Hope yours are under control today!

[Peregrin]

Trazzletoes, thank you for sharing your experience! Good to hear that you managed to hold them in :)

Kelly, great that you had the reassurance of the scan and the consultant! I was getting more anxious on Thursday because I had the kind of dull lower back / lower abdomen pain that tend to herald my periods as well, so I put myself on bed rest after work and made DH feed me in bed. But yesterday was a good day!