Braxton Hicks - What is the norm?!

[PuddingPie16]

Hi lovely ladies,

FTM here

I am 34 weeks and for the past week and a half I have had an increase in Braxton Hicks. I mainly get them in the evening and they are not painful but just tight and sometimes a tad uncomfortable. Did anyone else notice an increase around this time in their pregnancy?

I did get diagnosed with a UTI and know they can increase them. However, I have completed my antibiotics and still getting them so don't think that is a factor. I am also making sure I stay hydrated as I know this and stress can increase them.

My concern is that I have read they can dilate the cervix (?!) and need him cooking for a few more weeks yet!

I am seeing my midwife on Tuesday but she is unfortunately pretty awful and is rarely contactable so would just like some advice from experience beforehand . I am more than happy to contact labour ward but as I have been having them over time now, I am not sure if it is just the norm as I am not in pain nor getting an increase etc in them.

Xx

If your worried and you MW is crap you can always book in with your GP. I'd stick another water sample in just to be on the safe side as they can cause problems.

Braxton Hicks can actually start as early as 7 weeks, we just don't feel them! It's completely normal and your body's way of practising, the further along you get the more you feel them and the stronger they get. Good luck with your baby xx

I wouldn't worry. They are completely normal and can start very early on. I have been getting them on and off since about 20 weeks.

They happen randomly, are not regular, they don't become more intense like proper labour contractions and although they are uncomfortable they're not particularly painful and don't last long.

Yeah don't worry, I've been having really noticeable BHs since my first trimester and now at 36 wks they are really really noticeable and very frequent (but not regular!). My MW just said I'm one of those people who feels them more is all. X

Apologies for hijacking the thread.....I'm 28 weeks and feel like I have Braxton Hicks all day....midwife says to rest, take paracetamol and ring back in a few hours. Do they examine you to determine whether it's BH or Labour, or scan you? Just feel really rough/sick etc.

Best of luck Pudding

Thanks everyone for all of your advice, really appreciate it

Littlecaf, I am sure everything is fine. I would recommend drinking a lot of water too and lying on your left side. If they persist, they may ask you to go into the hospital. They wont scan you but will likely connect you to the monitor to see how baby is and to see if you are actually contracting and may do an internal examination to see if you are dilating or showing signs of labour.

Ah thanks Pudding

Little I've just been in hospital for constant BH and an infection. They stuck me on the monitor for an hour.

It was all fine I'm 27 weeks and on number 5 but constant all day ones I wanted double checked by a professional.