Conflicting info on Braxton Hicks

[goodnightdarthvader1]

I'm 35+4, and for the past 4 days (roughly) I've been getting a period-pain like sensation of cramps. It doesn't really come and go, it's more a continuous sensation for about half an hour or more (and it's waking me up randomly at night).

I found one website that said that BH feels like period pains, but everywhere else seems to say it's a painless tightening that lasts for a minute and recurs irregularly.

In your wise experience, previous prego ladies, is period-like cramping (continuous) BH, or if not, is this sort of pain normal at this stage? and not a sign of impending early labour

[DinoSnores]

I've found BH to be not painful, painful, but definitely uncomfortable and sometimes do catch my breath, I suppose similar to period pains but they do settle after a minute or two, even if I get a whole series of them over a few minutes or hours.

In each of my full term pregnancies, I've had them from about 28 weeks when I don't drink enough or do too much or am too tired, but it has never made the babies come on time! That said, I do labour quickly so I have chosen to believe (with no evidence whatsoever for this) that they are all doing something and priming me for a speedy labour!

I'd speak to your MW. You might have a urine infection, constipation, lots of things that could do with a review from an expert.

[Gunting]

I think it's normal. Braxton hicks definitely got more intense towards the end and my ds was born 8 days over.

It could also be slow labour which can go on for weeks

[cranberryx]

I had BH randomly, but mostly in the evening and at night when I was dehydrated. They felt like the beginnings of period pains to me, but my contractions started out like that also but were very regular. BH would be fairly regular on and off for about half an hour and then stop and come back the next day - true labour didn't go away it got more intense.

If you are concerned and the cramps arn't going away, go to triage and they will monitor you and let you know.

I had BH from 26 weeks until a day before I went into labour - my labour was 4 hours and 10 mins of pushing. Drink lots of water (and raspberry leaf tea) it really does help IMO.

[goodnightdarthvader1]

Thanks all. I hope it's not slow labour!

I had BH randomly, but mostly in the evening and at night when I was dehydrated.

That seems very likely the culprit, I'm very thirsty at night.

They have definitely gone away now, so BH seems to be the culprit. Will try to drink lots. When's the best time to start Raspberry Leaf tea? I don't want to kickstart labour too early!

[Gunting]

Raspberry leaf tea won't kick start labour it's meant to tone the muscles of your uterus for pushing.

Not everyone is allowed to drink it though so maybe check with a midwife before starting it. I wasn't allowed it!

[goodnightdarthvader1]

Ok, have an appt next week, will ask, thanks

[sherazade]

Raspberry leaf tea is best taken from 32 weeks but you can start now. It doesn't kick start labour, it tones your uterus.

[goodnightdarthvader1]

Thanks!