Braxton Hicks, and Transport.

[Yukana]

I do tend to pop in and out, but I have another couple of questions for all of you MNers. :)

First of all, Braxton Hicks, what did they feel like for you? First timer here at 28 weeks, and have no idea what braxton hicks could feel like. How different did they feel in comparison to the start of labour?

Secondly, what are your options if you have no transport to the hospital when you are in labour? DP and I have no car, and live in an extremely rural area, so I have wondered how others have managed in the same or similar situations.

Can't answer on the transport, but can on the BH's (as I couldn't remember what they felt like after PG1, now I have them again for PG2 I can!).

With the BHs my whole bump tightens - if you feel it it is all really hard. I normally know I am having it as I feel my bump expand against/below the belt area and it makes my breathing a bit tight. Doestn't particularly hurt, sometimes a bit achey down below. I tend to get them a lot when sitting up in the evening (particularly if out to dinner!), but maybe that is just when I notice them. Started about 35w this time, wasn't quite sure at first but now at 38w very obvious.

I didn't mistake labour for BHs as labour started with a show and then period type pains for me, and when the contractions started they were like BHs (belly tightening) but actually painful. I can't remember what the first contractions felt like but I know I didn't have any doubts.

I am sure it is different for different people though!

If you can't drive yourself or ask a friend, call a taxi - that's how I got to the hospital last time.

BH for me feel like a tightening across whole abdomen. As I get closer to delivery they increase to being painful,with the kind of backache that I get when I have my period. The only different between hear and my early labour contractions is that the early labour ones continue on to become full blown ctx!

About transport - whether you travel in a cab or a friends car, you'll need a first size car seat for the babies travel home. Or, you could consider a home birth.