Ladies with Braxton Hicks experience, please put my mind at rest!

[Sufi]

Am sure I am worrying about nothing, but my DS1 came at 36wks so I have form, as it were.

I've been having Braxton Hicks for 2 wks. Yesterday and today I've had them pretty much constantly, plus some period pain-type aching in my pelvis (which I have had throughout pg, linked to baby/uterus growing). Is this normal? I read that BH can start as early as 20wks... but on the other hand I'm twitchy as DS1 was so early.

Please come and tell me you had BH for weeks and weeks and it's nothing at all to worry about!

It is freaking me out as I didn't experience them at all first time round, and my experience of contractions is very different to the 'norm' (I never knew what they MWs were on about when they asked me if I had tightenings, but I did get period-type pain that turned out to be contractions, IYSWIM).

Am seeing midwife on Thursday...suspect I will lose the plot before then...

How many weeks are you Sufi? I would ring your mw just for reassurance, that, if anything, it is all pretty normal.

I didn't have any BH in first pregnancy. Had loads for the last ten weeks with DC2. I'm currently 40+1 with DC 3 and have had them since around 26 weeks. Last three weeks they have been frequent, more intense and accompanied by period type pains. But everyone is different so I'd check with MW if you are worried.

Thanks Hackney. I'm 34wks & just want the baby to hang on until 37wks!! Also trying to finish up work this week (I'm self-employed) & have visions of labour starting before I've finished all my work (which happened last time - had to file my tax return from my hospital bed).

If they get worse I'll call MW. God, it doesn't get any easier second time round, does it?

With 1st 2 dc had BH for 2 weeks before going into labour, both born between 39-40weeks. With number 3 had BH from 34 weeks until I was induced 12 days overdue!!! Hope it all goes well for you, give your midwife a call it will at least put your mind at ease.

Thanks greenbeanie as well. Will give MW a call - I think I go slightly do-lally in the latter stages of pregnancy & every little thing worries me...

I had bh from about 36 weeks (first pregnancy), with occasional period pain like you describe, and my baby went overdue... I liked getting them, they were exciting! as they meant I was on schedule and getting ready to have my son!