Is it possible to have too many Braxton Hicks contractions at 31 weeks?

[Mhairi100]

Is it possible to have too many Braxton Hicks contractions? Can it mean an early baby? It?s my first and I?m 31+3, and have been getting increasingly fierce and frequent Braxton Hicks since about week 26/7. I seem to get more after exercise (I?m still walking 40 mins home after work, but it?s getting harder!). I?ve got a fear - based on no knowledge at all! - that all these BH mean that the baby is going to show up too early. Can anyone reassure me? I think I'm just looking for things to worry about now...

[misscreosote]

I'm no expert, but if it helps, I got loads of BH in my first pregnancy from relatively early on, especially when walking (had to stand still until they stopped), and some quite painful, and still went to 42 weeks! So I wouldn't worry too much (until they become very painful and frequent, thats quite a different matter )

PS I'm at 31 + 1 today, with my second - I think I'm at the same stage, where I just want it to be over with so am obsessing slightly about everything (in the nicest posiible way ). Still a way to go though, sigh.

[Mhairi100]

Thanks misscreosote, very reassuring. Hope the next 9 weeks or so go quickly for us both!

[misscreosote]

Well, yes and no! Once the baby is here, you might be looking back fondly to the relatively quiet days you've got now!! Enjoy the time left if you can

[mersmam]

I've always had lots of them... and I've had very quick labours at 39ish weeks(which I've partly put down to my body preparing itself well with all the Braxtons!!) I think the more you have the better generally (just my opinion though!)

I have heard a theory that you can get more of them if you're dehydrated - so make sure you're drinking plenty of water.