Pain at 21 weeks - is this normal?

[rainand]

Hi,

I've been waking up at night, quite a few times for several minutes on each occasion with severe pain in my abdomen (with movement from baby), and I then toss and turn around and on a couple of occasions the bump has felt quite firm. I'm only 21 weeks. What could this be and is this normal? Has anyone else felt this?

I think I might take to taking a hot water bottle to bed with me to ease the pain.

Could it be early Braxton Hicks? I'm not an expert (only 23+5 with my first) but have read other threads where people have reported similar feelings (particularly the firm bump part) and others have said BH.

Obviously though please don't feel you're bothering your midwife by calling her if you need to.

weeblueberry, thanks for replying! I have no idea what they are. Would be interested to hear what others think ...

I have had this and found it's due to the position that the baby is in - when it sits really low it feels very hard and is sore until the baby moves somewhere more comfortable. Try giving him/her a poke to get them to move....you can also expect mild period like pain from all the stretching of the ligaments etc particularly low down on your abdomen on either side. I also experienced aching in the pubic area around this time. Isn't it delightful?! However if you are experiencing any pain that is more acute or which is accompanied by a back ache then you should give your MW a call - and if you're worried, call anyway - never feel that a question is too silly to ask - that's what they're there for and most are happy to help!