Braxton hicks every 5 mins!

[atrcts]

Friday morning between 4-6am I was woken with quite uncomfortable Braxton hicks every 5 minutes for 2 hours solid. During this time I had low 'ache' in the back and abdomen, not too different from period pain. The hardening with each contraction was across the lower abdomen instead of one side of the belly button like it used to be.
Each contraction lasted between 30-60 seconds on average.

When I got up at 8am, I had contractions roughly hourly for the rest of the day and by nightfall it had subsided.

Since then I've gone between 30 mins and 4 hours between each braxton hicks contractions.

I'm only 30 weeks pregnant so was wondering if anyone else has experienced braxton hicks so acutely and then had it calm down again with rest?
I had been more physically active during this time which I think possibly brought it on.

I didn't have any braxton hicks with my first pregnancy so no experience with this at all!

[Choccybaby]

I'm getting tonnes more BH with my second pregnancy than the first. I think they're probably all different. Mine tend to cone on when walking or needing the toilet and settle with rest too.

Having said that, I haven't had them quite as frequent as you, so might be best discussing with your midwife to see if they need to see you.

[atrcts]

Thanks Choccybaby - I called the midwife and they seemed to think it's all fine but that I should call back again if any of the following happens:

1. Contractions become 3-4 minutely AND
   
2. I get non-stop contractions for over 3 hours OR
   
3. Paracetamol and a warm bath don't help it subside
   
4. Baby movements reduce
   

I must admit I was surprised they didn't want to even check me over. Hope that helps anyone else who may read this!

[cupcake78]

I ve had loads recently. 32wks and they are getting very strong and sometimes uncomfortable.

I've also heard its normal with a second pregnancy for this to happen.

[willitbe]

It could be "irritable uterus", I had it on my first and third pregnancy. It was on my second pregnancy that I learnt that braxton hicks contractions are not painful!

With both irritable uterus pregnancies, I started having painful contractions from 33 weeks every time I walked anywhere. These contractions were regular as close as every 3 minutes lasting just under a minute at one point. (ended up in hospital at 33weeks with both pregnancies being given steriods to mature the babies lungs just in case of early delivery)

Contractions triggered by lack of water to drink and walking.

Contractions eased by drinking plenty and resting.

Both pregnancies went to full term, but did limit what I could do in the last 7 weeks. I did use a tens machine to help with the pain, when having to go shopping etc, tens machine recommended in first pregnancy but not in the later one, but I was not stopped from using it. It helped me get through those last weeks.

I hope this helps?

[atrcts]

cupcake - are your very regular?

Willitbe - I think from what you describe it probably is irritable uterus. What you describe is exactly what I've experienced - walking, car rides, train rides, lots of lifting toddler, etc. So I had been on my feet a lot when it all started (even though ironically the actual contractions were worse at night when I was laying down).

I am guessing they will have me in for steroids if I get to the 3 minute mark. Its nice to know that resting helps, I will have to watch it a bit as I don't want to either have the baby early or be awake for hours on end at night if I can avoid it (that pleasure will come when the baby is here!!!).

[cupcake78]

No not regular enough to cause me to worry. Get them each time I stand up or walk etc but if I rest it goes.