Braxton hicks from 16 weeks in a first pregnancy?

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I'm 20 weeks pregnant this week, and since about 16 weeks I've been getting Braxton Hicks - completely textbook, not painful, but I'm certainly aware of when one comes on and the bump is rock hard. It hadn't occured to me that this was a cause for concern, but I've done some Googling (bad idea, I know) which suggests BHs might affect the cervix. Now I'm kicking myself for ignoring them for so long! Should I be worried? Is it normal to be getting them this early in a first pregnancy?

I had them from about 16 weeks with my first pregnancy. And it was a completely normal full term pregnancy. (Although I was petrified all the way through that I'd go into preterm labour)

If you are worried though, I'd tell your MW and see what she suggests n

I had them from about 16-17 weeks, and it's my first pregnancy too (32 weeks now). I sort of hesitantly described the sensation to my midwife - thinking she'd tell me that it couldn't possibly be BH as it was too early - and she confirmed that's what it was. She told me that the uterus is contracting all the way through pregnancy, it's just that you don't usually feel it till it gets bigger. But I'd mention it to MW all the same, even if only to set your mind at rest.

There are so many things to worry about, aren't there!

Apparently they actually start very early on but you only start to feel them by that stage. I'm pretty sure I had them from around then. As always though, don't be scared to speak to your labour ward / midwife about your concerns.

I had them from around the same time (am week 20 too). Mentioned it to GP at last check up. He measured cervix and said everything was absolutely fine and no need to worry. If you're concerned I would mention it to GP or MW next time and they'll prob reassure you.

My experience was the same as WaspsAnkles. I had strong contraction like pains last week (16 weeks), so called my doctor to see if it was anything I should be concerned about. They asked me to go in for a check-up. They checked that the cervix was still closed - and measured the length of the cervix. Both were fine - so they were happy there was nothing to worry about.