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Pregnancy

When are braxton hicks concerning - if ever?

14 replies

LightUpLightUp · 23/07/2014 19:01

Don't remember ever having braxton hicks with my DS!

I've had them the last two days with this baby, I'm 27 weeks. They haven't been painful just very tight and last seconds however today I've had them for about 3 hours now and they've been lasting more what feels like minute or two - there is no pattern but they are getting longer in how long they last and more and more uncomfortable.

Baby has been very quiet today, he moved for about fifteen minutes this morning around 10am and nothing since so I drank cold water and led on my side, still nothing, drank an appletiser and started prodding my belly a bit and I counted 5 movements - no kicks just movement if you know what I mean. I've also been getting a sharp pain in my pelvis since the braxton hicks started tonight and I'm having a braxton hicks contraction at the moment. Is this something to be concerned about or is it all very normal?

TIA

OP posts:
squizita · 23/07/2014 19:39

Give your midwife or out of hours helpline a call... sure they will be able to reassure you.

Movement is movement in terms of 'counting kicks' (which is a bit misleading) - flexes, rolls, pushes and kicks all count. The only think that doesn't is huccups.

LightUpLightUp · 23/07/2014 19:44

Thanks squiz .. The counting kicks thing has been really concerning me today the advice isn't very clear apparently anything less than ten kicks in a two hour period is a concern? That seems a high expectation to me! Reassured to know they don't actually mean just kicks

OP posts:
Bootoyou2 · 23/07/2014 19:46

Ring labour ward now. I bet they will ask you to come in for a check up,

WhispersOfWickedness · 23/07/2014 19:46

If movements are not in the baby's usual pattern, you need to get checked out, regardless of braxton hicks/contractions. Call your midwife/hospital, hope all is well for you and baby Smile

CuriosityCola · 23/07/2014 19:47

My midwife said it's not the number of kicks or movement that can be a problem, but if it changes. So think about what is normal for you. Does this match it. If not then phone for reassurance. I was worried in my second pregnancy because I had too much movement. Because I had always had excessive movement it was ok, but if the baby suddenly increased or decreased movement it would be worth being monitored. Hope that makes sense. Smile

CuriosityCola · 23/07/2014 19:48

Whispers - cross post and far more concise than my post Grin

squizita · 23/07/2014 19:51

Yes my MW and consultant said what Cola said... what is 'normal' for you.

It can be 10 bursts of movement total in a day or 10 movements an hour - whatever you're used to.

LightUpLightUp · 23/07/2014 19:55

He usually moves very regularly I feel him every hour or two so it is a decrease. He is moving whilst I am typing though so shall I wait to see if usual midwife can see me in the AM rather than ringing emergency to say my Baby is moving just not loads? I feel a bit silly !!

OP posts:
CuriosityCola · 23/07/2014 20:00

Do you still have the braxton hicks? I would call anyway, just to put your mind at rest anyway. Don't feel embarrassed.

Bootoyou2 · 23/07/2014 21:28

If you are having regular or frequent tightenings I would still ring

WhispersOfWickedness · 23/07/2014 22:45

Please don't feel embarrassed! Midwives would much rather you ring and there be nothing wrong than not ring and something happen Sad If the pattern of movements have changed at all, please ring them.

hartmel · 23/07/2014 23:03

OP- i could have written this post . I feel exactly like you today.. I'm also 27 weeks.. Also getting these sharp pain in my pelvis. Almost feels like baby is trying to get out. :-)
Maybe she has moved more but I have a 10 month old who needs to be carried around and kept active. So I'm constantly busy..

If she is not moving her regular pattern by tomorrow I will contact maternity ward.

Hope you are feeling better soon..

CuriosityCola · 24/07/2014 09:51

How are you today op?

LightUpLightUp · 24/07/2014 21:22

Hi movements really increased late evening and have been back to normal. However now everytime he moves I get the shooting pain in my pelvis/(down below)! It's agony and I didn't have this with DS until I was due I have a feeling he was burrowing himself lower yesterday! Thanks for asking and for advice

OP posts:
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