40+3- Getting LOADS of braxton hicks, what to do??

[Leilababyno1]

This evening I have been having very regular tightenings- they are VERY uncomfortable, belly as hard as a rock. I know they are not proper labour contractions as they aren't accompanied by any pain.

Any advice that will help them subside? Can't relax....

I am having these, too.... Have you tried taking a bath or a long shower? Breathing a lot helps me. Hope you feel better.

are you sure they're not the real deal? In my last pregnancy that happened to me (40+9) and when I got to hospital to have myself checked over they found i was 8cm dilated.........

Might try a bath- thank's lilly13.

MakemineaGandT- don't think they're the real deal, unless you can labour without pain?? They definitely aren't painful, just a very tight rock like sensation across my belly. They are quite regular though (every 6 mins or so), could they be dilating the cervix?

If you're 40+3 it's likely that it could be early labour. Would second the bath advice, but mainly try and get some rest if poss (I know that's easier said than done).

Do you have any mindless/funny films you could watch to take your mind off it?

try adding lavender oil if you have to the bath... clary sage helps to start labour, too... i bought some from holland & barret, but haven't tried yet... hope it goes well for you.

Thank's RhinestoneCowgirl- been reading that frequent BH could be due to dehydration, so gonna have a pint of water and see if that helps- probably haven't been drinking as much as I should.

The BH aren't anything new for me, as I have been having them on and off since around the 6 month mark- but today they have become VERY frequent. Film sounds like a good idea...anything to take my mind off this rock of a belly!