Anyone with experience of strong Braxton Hicks and easier labour?

[Emma1609]

With my first pregnancy I had braxton hicks in the 3rd trimester but cant really remember them being a big deal.

Now in my second pregnancy (36 weeks) and have been taken aback by the frequency and strength of my braxton hicks and the fact that they have been going on since around 18 weeks! It has been at least hourly every day, and i can't help but think that this is a good sign in that my uterus is really flexing its muscles in preparation and has been for such a long time.

There is not really any research done on this so i was wondering anecdotally if anyone had experience of strong/frequent braxton hicks = easier/ faster labour?
In my first labour I dilated 6cm in one hour which was agonising, and the whole thing lasted 16 hours from first twinge to baby arriving. Although I dilated fast I still spent 2 hours pushing.

The other weird thing is that i find braxton hicks extremely pleasurable! I love them! I can't explain why - not in an orgasmic way or anything - I just love the feeling of them and can't wait for the next one!

I had braxton hicks frequently from around 24 weeks I think, and particularly often in the third trimester. Labour was five hours and 17 mins from my first contraction. That also includes approx two hours of pushing. I went from 5cm to 10 in 90 mins.

Thanks annlee - was that your first or second labour?

Sorry, I had really powerful BH from about 15-16 weeks with both pregnancies. Gradually got stronger as the weeks went by. I still had a 36 hour labour with the first, and he was back-to-back, so very painful. Second was only about 4 hours from first real contraction to delivery. But, I don't think there is a relationship between BH and duration of labour.

Yep. Lots and lots of strong, often regular towards the end BH. Easy (but obviously very painful!) 5 hour labour, no tears, good recovery. That was my second baby, first baby I had very few BH and a 30 labour.

First pregnancy Emma

I overexrmerted myself once at 24 weeks and had quite scary BH. Other than that I thought it felt lovely! I got them quite often and they felt like a belly massage.

I wouldn't say I had an easier labour though... I couldn't handle thre pain at all and completely lost the plot. They had to give me oxygen