Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Can braxton hicks feel like period pains?

33 replies

Hopeitwontbebig · 31/07/2007 13:25

This past week or so intermittently I have been having period like pains and my tummy goes hard. I didn't have this with my previous 2 pregnancies (if I can remember back that far - 8yrs ago!). Does this sound like braxton hicks? Most people seem to describe them as an elastic band tightening, but not uncomfortable. These are quite uncomfortable.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Original poster
Hopeitwontbebig · 31/07/2007 13:49

Can I add, the baby seems to squirm at times when I'm getting these.

OP posts:
cornsilk · 31/07/2007 13:51

Sounds similar to what I had! I didn't have them with ds1, just ds2.

Original poster
Hopeitwontbebig · 31/07/2007 13:55

thanks cornsilk.

By the way I'm 32+2

OP posts:
cornsilk · 31/07/2007 14:03

Were your other babies full term?

Popi70 · 31/07/2007 14:31

I would call the midwife if I was you

foxybrown · 31/07/2007 14:33

I had quite painful BHs in the last 6 weeks or so, usually if I'd been overdoing things.

If they go when you sit down and rest, chances are they are Braxton Hicks, but it might be worth giving your MW a call if you are worried.

midnightexpress · 31/07/2007 14:43

fwiw, mine were much more uncomfortable with my 2nd pg than my 1st, and I've heard the same from several friends too. But call the mw if you're at all concerned.

lulumama · 31/07/2007 14:44

sounds like braxtons

which are normal

does not mean you are going to have a prem labour

make sure you are drinking enough, as being dehyrated can make it worse

as long as not losing blood, mucus or fluid, should be fine

Wilkie · 31/07/2007 14:51

Sounds like what I had from 32 weeks onwards but I would ring MW to be checked.

I ended up in hospital for the day with BHs being monitored cos they were so painful!

Original poster
Hopeitwontbebig · 31/07/2007 15:20

thanks ladies. My other two went overdue.

I have a growth scan tomorrow to see how big this one is. My last two were v big babies. I'll speak to my consultant tomorrow about these pains too.

OP posts:
PurpleLostPrincess · 31/07/2007 20:54

((waves at HIWBB!!))

I've been having the exact same problem and just assumed it was BH - didn't have them with DS or DD1!?

I'm not too worried about them apart from the fact that they seem to last for a long time - sometimes anything up to 5 or 10 minutes!!??

My bump goes really really hard and I do find it uncomfortable...

I'm drinking loads of water too!? Should I call the mw?

Hope the growth scan goes well - let us know how you get on!

((HIWBB))

PLP xxx

PurpleLostPrincess · 31/07/2007 20:55

(my other two were overdue too but DS keeps reminding me that its different sperm as I've remarried lol!?)

thebigSea · 31/07/2007 20:58

I get this occasionally too, I think if it is occasionally and not getting worse its ok

PurpleLostPrincess · 31/07/2007 21:12

((waves at bigsea too!!))

That's what I'm worried about - I'm getting them loads more just this last week... DH is convinced I'm having this one early.

That's it, I've decided to call the mw on Thursday when she is in to see if I can get to see her (she only works Thurs/Fri)...

Sorry if I've hijacked your thread HIWBB

PLP xxx

potoroo · 31/07/2007 21:21

I've been getting them this time around too (I am 32 + something). Sometimes they are so uncomfortable they wake me up at night. TBH I didn't think anything of it, because if I rest they go away.

PurpleLostPrincess · 31/07/2007 21:31

I didn't think anything of it either until recently lol!

I've been getting them while I'm sitting doing nothing or when I'm driving so will mention this to the mw...

If you're 32+something, have you joined the September thread? We're a very friendly bunch!

Original poster
Hopeitwontbebig · 31/07/2007 21:36

((waves back Purple and BigSea!))

'Pains' have been quite uncomfortable this past half hour or so. Mentioned it to DH who suggested I phone midwife. I'm going to hospital tomorrow anyway, so will try and hold out until then. I'm sure if I phone now, I'll be told to come to the labour ward for assessment, kids are asleep etc etc.

I'll monitor these pains over the next half hour or so. Unlike 'real' contractions, there doesn't seem to be a clear beginning or end to these pains.

OP posts:
thebigSea · 31/07/2007 21:39

try a hot water bottle and paracetamol, but you seem worried so just phone them and see what they say, its not worth the risk just to not feel silly iyswim

PurpleLostPrincess · 31/07/2007 21:42

Oh bless you, I agree with bigsea, no harm in giving them a quick call to see what they say...

xx

PurpleLostPrincess · 01/08/2007 09:13

How are you feeling today HIWBB? I'm off out for the day but thinking of you and will check how you got on when I get home...

((((HIWBB))))

thebigSea · 01/08/2007 09:14

you beat me here plp!

I hope she's ok.

EdieMcredie · 01/08/2007 10:44

BH's are uncomfortable, but not necessarily painful (although some of mine have been and actually have felt like period pain). One night I had about 8 in an hour.

(Waves at those from Sep thread)

loobybump · 01/08/2007 11:40

I haven't had any Braxton Hicks im 34 weeks should i have had some? and can you tell when your having one?

SeamonstEr · 01/08/2007 12:46

WHERE ARE YOU?
ARE YOU OK?

Sorry to shout but I'm v worried.

If your stomach goes tight, thats a braxton hicks, some people get them very mildly some very strong. They shouldn't hurt although occasionally they ache as you can see, but not too much and not too often.

SeamonstEr · 01/08/2007 17:02

hopey?