Talk to me about Braxton Hicks & calm me down!

[Jaffakake]

I don't remember this from last time at all.I'm going to have an elcs due to a long labour & being scared of doing all that again, basically I'm scared of contractions! I think I've had 2 sets of full on Braxton Hicks & each time I have to go & do a no.2! Does that sound right.

Baby's lying oblique which is making me feel v uncomfy anyway. I think I've made myself more scared by reading up on that & seeing somewhere that him being oblique when labour starts is not good - probably rubbish!

Can someone calm me down a bit?!

Ok, so when are you due?
Don't freak out just yet.
I think BH get stronger with subsequent babies...that might just be my experience though.
It might be baby trying to move into a better position? I remember that hurts!
It's normak to want to go to the loo, it's all squashed and there's pressure down there as well as the body having a clear out.

Basically don't freak out yet, and if they get to a stage where you need to time them or you are concerned call midwife.

I'm due 3 April.
Cheers (I totally need a kick up the arse!)

I have been getting very strong Braxton Hicks since 8 weeks.

Last night they were so painful I was wincing.

This is my 3rd baby and I am 18+5

Try not to worry, it's normal

I hope I can helpful. I've just had my 4th baby who is now 3wks old, I was in hospital at 34 & 36 weeks with regular contractions that were uncomfortable, u'd think with it being my 4th pregnancy I'd be a bit more savvy?! Well no, I never had any bh's in my previous pregnancies, and thought on both occasions that was it!!!
When my real contractions started it felt like those horrible period pains u get in your back and a had diarrhoea (tmi) I thought I had a stomach bug as my 6y.o had said earlier in the day she felt I'll and had those beautiful eggy burps, but then I wiped after using the loo and there was blood, I think it was classed as a show but it scared me cos it was really fresh blood-but once at hospital they said it was probably because things.progressed quickly (I know my cervix was completely closed and within an hour had dilated to 3cm)
The only thing I would say, and it's only because of how my labour progressed, is if it gets more painful and along with the lose bowels, maybe contact ur mw? How long have u got left? X

I've been having BH since 20 weeks. I'm now 39 weeks +6 (due date tomorrow!) and while they have gotten stronger and more frequent, but are still generally painless. I do feel the need to pee with most of them as that is where the pressure is for me. If yours are still painless although uncomfortable then I wouldn't worry, but never be afraid to call your Mw to check. Even if it puts your mind at rest and calms you down then it is worth checking.

Don't panic. I have quite an irritable uterus and get BHs around the clock (but much worse in the evenings). This is my second pregnancy and it's just as bad. But my DD was born on her due date so it's not necessarily a sign of premature labour.

Are you sure they're BHs though, and not everyday "I need a poo!" gut cramps? Like grinningcat, I find they squeeze my bladder and make me want to wee, but they don't affect my bowel.

Seaoflove that's whats made me wonder. Are bh unmistakable? These cramps have been more at the bottom of my bump.

Your entire uterus goes rock hard. It's not particularly comfortable (especially with the bladder squeezing), but there's no actual pain.

Your bowel cramping pre pooping can irritate your uterus too as they lie close together. If you are getting mild cramp and the tightenings then ease off don't worry. If they are becoming regular and more painful then call for advice! Braxton hicks can feel slightly different to everyone, but as a general rule they are not too painful, very mild or painless, They can last all sorts of lengths, whilst they are sometimes frequent or regular for a short period they don't tend to increase in pain or frequency over time. I have been having them since 16 wks and sometimes they are tight, sometimes i have mild cramp too. Just call the hosp if you are unsure explain your baby is oblique and you are a planned cs and they willl ask the right questions!

The oblique thing is only a problem if your waters break as an arm or cord could drop down if you labour. So if you think your waters have broken, call the hospital ASAP! Otherwise as you are a planned c/s the position is largely unimportant.

Thanks. You've succeeded in calming me down! I now suspect it bowel related & largely not bh. I've probably had bh, there being the odd occasion where I've noticed my bump get all tight, but that and the other cramps I get now seem unrelated.

I'm 34 weeks now & last time went into very slow labour at 41 weeks, my waters breaking about 3 days in. So I'd be surprised if they went anytime soon (never say never though!)

Thanks!