Is it braxton hicks?

[seriouslynonames]

Looking for others' experiences with braxton hicks.
I'm 22+5 with dc2 and didn't notice any braxton hicks with dc1.
But after some red blood - streaked mucous yesterday morning and a heavy / pressure feeling in my pelvis all day yesterday, as well as just feeling a bit off, when I went to bed last night I started experiencing what felt like regular 'tightenings' of my uterus accompanied by a weird feeling, like it took my breath away a little but also gave me a strange feeling in my vagina. Kind of ran over me like a light wave. No pain, no further bleeding.

So ended up calling triage as was a bit concerned and they said come in due to bleeding (am rh-) and because of tightenings. So spent best part of morning getting checked over, with usual obs, baby's heartbeat checked and my cervix checked via speculum. Cervix is thankfully closed and no more bleeding so they said to monitor and come back if anything more happens.

I asked if it could be braxton hicks and they said possibly, but best to come in again if it continues.

Has anyone had what they know for sure to be braxton hicks, and if so what did / does it feel like? I'm hoping that's all it is but with streak of blood and pelvic pressure they were checking for premature labour - which massively scares me now.

Baby has continued to move throughout all of this - quite violently at times! Have also wondered if weird feelings could be in part caused by baby trampling all over my insides....

Grateful for any advice, thank you (and sorry for long post)! Xx

[seriouslynonames]

Bump. Anyone had braxton hicks...? Thanks!

[Nina16]

I've been getting the same sensations minus the bleeding and am 23+1, it's the light waves sensation and my uterus goes rock hard, usually ends up with little one kicking around a lot in there for a while after! If I was getting the bleeding I'd have done the same as you and got advice. Hope all is well!

[westcountrywoman]

Braxton hicks can be very uncomfortable so it could well just be that. However in light of the bleeding and general discomfort, I'd rest up and don't be afraid to get further opinions as necessary for reassurance.

[popalot]

Braxton hicks to me feels like my baby is pushing his bottom out and my belly goes tight and rigid. Not painful but tense feeling. But they're not regular and I have had no bleeding/painful cramps with them.

[seriouslynonames]

Thanks all. This wasn't painful and yes baby kicking around a lot afterwards. It does sometimes feel like baby pushing bottom out.

Fingers crossed that's what it was, but will keep an eye in case any further bleeding.

All so stressful! Thought I might be able to enjoy the rest of the pregnancy now, perhaps not! :-)