Irritable uterus (25 weeks)

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I had it with my first 3 years ago, but it didn't start until later. I went in for monitoring at 30 weeks because she hadn't stopped moving for hours and they told me it was because I was having regular contractions and assessed me for labour. Foetal fibronectin came back negative, so I was told it was just an irritable uterus and to "take it easy". I tried and she wasn't born until 39 weeks, thankfully.

This time (2nd pregnancy) it appeared to start at around 18.5 weeks. I obviously knew what I was feeling, so probably about 10 weeks earlier. I haven't been in for monitoring at all. Last night the regular contractions (5 mins apart) got more painful and they're making me anxious (even though I know it's irritable uterus again). I rang the midwife, but she was not concerned and said just to put a hot water bottle on. If I do anything too much I get regular contractions in the evening and often through parts of the day too. It's so early, I really don't want anything to start, but I do know that last time it didn't. Just I have a 2 year old to look after this time!

Anyone else had a similar thing? How did you cope?

Anyone?

I've had ridiculous bhs triggered by walking too fast, standing up, needing a wee and one eve they did become regular contractions that I had to breathe through. I had to rest the full day the next day.

I'm not sure I've found a solution other than to identify key triggers and try to avoid them where possible. I've also taken to regularly lying down during the day not when I need it but to anticipate it.

But I don't think they've been as bad as you describe so I'm not sure how helpful that is?!

I'd try and speak to a different mw when you get the chance or even gp?

Thanks Ekphrasis! I'm sorry you are going through this too, but it's good to know I'm not alone. How far along are you? I'm really trying to slow down, but at this point even a lazy weekend day on the sofa isn't preventing them (though sometimes it's related to full bladder/bowels too). I think you're right, I should speak to a different midwife. I need some reassurance, but also some validation, because I'm not sure she really understood over the phone what was happening.

It's common for braxton hicks to start much earlier in subsequent pregnancies and to be triggered if you are busy/active. Having lots of braxton hicks doesn't necessarily mean you are at risk of premature labour though (but obviously get checked out if you are worried). I know it's easier said than done but try and rest when you can, that should usually settle them down.

I don't know if I'm exactly the same as I haven't regularly had defined separate contractions but I do remember phases of evenings being more crampy with Bh and lower period type pain. Every full bladder does kick one off (a Braxton Hick) and probably since 32 weeks often poos can cause an evening of period like pain which have been quite bad in the last two weeks - but I'm 40 weeks today! (Nothing happening, just when there's a poo!)

There was only the one time at 34 weeks I got quite worried and had to go on all 4s with painful regular separate cramps, and was told to rest the next day.

The Braxton Hicks are painless but can make walking difficult.

I think if they're separate actual tightenings I'd double check again at a hospital like last time.

It did seem to get worse when I went through a growth spurt and got a bit constipated.

I have taken to testing after a poo or even a wee at times if I can. Just short ten min lie downs which has seemed to help.

Resting!