lasts too long to be Braxton Hicks?? any advice..

[StripyMouse]

I am now just about 25 weeks pregnant and for the last couple of days or so have noticed what I originally thought were Braxtn Hicks - painless stomach hardening. However, although it is still painless, it is just not going away within the usual couple of minutes and seems to last for 15-20 minutes or more at times. I feel well and happy, normal bp and can hear nice steady fetal heart beat - but am now getting anxious as these periods seem to be getting more noticeable and possibly longer (haven?t timed them as only just getting concerned). I tried phoning my mw a couple of times this morning but it is just ringing with no answer machine on. Anyone ever experienced this or similar or know whether I should be concerned, i would really like to ehar from you. Thanks

haven't had them this time yet - but I did get braxton hicks lasting for that length of time with DS. I don't think you should be concerned (but as always, best get it checked out).

Maybe its the baby shifting position. Sometimes I've had long periods when my belly has been like rock but rather than BH I've put it down to the baby's back - would explain why you get a really strong HB at that point too. If you are worried I would pop in to see you MW but I'm sure it will just be baby

Yes my BH ones lasted ages in my first pg. Not regular but lasted a long time and were strong. Is it your first? Sometimes BH can be overwhelm ing. Don't worry but maybe keep trying your mwjust to make sure!!

thanks eefs - the fact that there is no pain and no other symptoms have stopped me worrying too much so far - you are the first other person I have ever heard of who has had them for this length of time and it is the length they go on for that has worried me. Thanks for your quick response - all the books just talk about 30 seconds to a minute so it is nice to know that I am not the only one out there to have lengthy episodes. I will carry on trying to get hold of the mw over the next couple of days (rather invisible woman - very busy) but your post has stopped me worrying and can relax a bit now. I am having one right now and it must have been going on for well over half an hour so hope it goes away soon!....

thanks katherine and quackers too - got delayed in posting thanks to my DD ( 2year old pouring water all over the bathroom floor...). It is a relief to hear of others experiencing long periods of this with no terrible consequences. This is my second pregnancy and only had really minor BH (that i was aware of) in the final few weeks last time - always really short as well as painless.