Tightening up -what is this??

[NW10teacher]

I'm 20+3 with twins on the way, first pregnancy. I've noticed this a bit over the last couple of days, but it's been happening more today - my bump keeps really tightening up (sort of like something's gone into spasm, but not painful) for about 20-30 secs and then releasing again. When it happens I get all sweaty and afterwards I need to pee straight away! I'm not worried because it doesn't really feel like anything is wrong, but it's the weirdest sensation.

Has anyone else had this around the 20 week mark??

Sounds like Braxton Hicks to me

I did wonder, but it seems awfully early, no?

i had them from around then too. But mention it to your midwife when you see her next, and go sooner if you have any concerns that things aren't right

I meant to say as well: if they continue, and become regular, go and seek help immediately in case you are going into premature labour

I'm having them and probably started at 20 weeks am 23 now

I'm not really worried, it's just a bit weird. I thought maybe all my muscles have just given up or something! Every time it's been when I've been standing up for a while, expect last night when I'd been sitting down for ages. I stood up to see if it would go off and it did, but I wet myself all down my legs!!

Thanks, @WeShouldOpenaBar - that's reassuring!
@OlennasWimple, thanks for the advice, I wouldn't say they're really regular. It tends to happen 2 or 3 times in an hour, then not at all for a few hours, then 2 or 3 times again. So I wouldn't call that regular, or is it worth checking out? Has definitely been more today than any other day.

I would definitely get it checked out, then you can relax about it. They're always happy to see a pregnant women who's got concerns. It's probably nothing, but would be better to have confirmation of that. Good luck with the twins!

Thank you! They're MCDA girls so it will be fun and games all the way.

I'm seeing the midwife tomorrow anyway, so will definitely mention then if it seems like it is worth bringing up?

Another one saying Braxton Hicks. Make sure you're drinking enough as being dehydrated can mean you have more of them and/or have them often, especially with this warm weather!

I had BH earlier than that occasionally. They feel so weird.

I did talk to the midwife and got it checked out and it's definitely Braxton Hicks. But... they are driving me mad! Today I've been having a couple every hour and I find it really disconcerting. Added to the fact that every time I get one I'm desperate to pee!

Is this going to go on from now on? Do they ever go off, or do you get used to it? Urghh...