Having Braxton hicks - but does it mean baby might come sooner rather than later?

[Rach35]

As I am 35wks+5 and I am experiencing loads of Braxton Hicks (one every 10mins or so especially in the evenings) in the last 3 days - really strong tightening with what I would call very very mild (almost not noticeable) background period-like pains. I know this isn't actual labour but is there any evidence to suggest the baby could come sooner rather than later. (Or could these practice contractions just stop again for a few weeks?). I've not lost the mucous plug or had waters break or anything?

I had strong BH with both mine quite early. With DS1, they were so strong we actually went to hospital and they thought I was in labour at 36 weeks. It died down, we went home and he wasn't born for another 2 1/2 weeks! With DS2 I remember going out one evening 4 weeks before he was due and having to stop and breathe heavily, doubled over - he was born 3 days before due date.

So, ime, it probably doesn't mean much!

i had stong BH from 24 weeks, but went 18 days overdue... doesn't mean anything ime unless they start to become painful ! if in doubt, ring your maternity ward, they would be happy to check you out and put mind at rest.

I didn't have a single Braxton Hicks and had dd 3 days before due date. Only had a couple of hours of mild(ish) contractions before she was born. A friend of mine had weeks of Braxton Hicks and went a couple of weeks over due on both her dcs so it doesn't seem to be any indication.

This probably isn't what you wnat to hear but I had BHs both times from about week 24. DS was born by elcs at week 39, DD arrived at week 41, after 6 (yes, 6) weeks of strong, painful BHs. The good news is that although she was late, I dilated very quickly with her - I suspect partly because my uterus had been getting lots of practice in.

Cool - that makes me feel better. I can't really ring local hospital as I am in France and find it very hard to understand French over the phone..... If they stay strong over the weekend I might go a see my Dr next week.....

I had mine from week 28 onwards and they were very frequent. Turned out I had an irritable uterus. DD was finally dragged kicking and screaming out of me nearly three weeks late!

Went to Dr yesterday and had a scan which showed that my cervix is really beginning to soften (from the top down) and the baby has well and truly descended into my pelvis! He wants to see me in 2 and a half weeks (but his words were unless the baby comes before!) He also seemed to think that the baby is a 'healthy' size! Getting excited!

Am very jealous, I never had any BH!

Hi Coleyboy - they are weird - real tightening across the tummy- not painful though but they can stop you in the middle of the supermarket just cos they feel odd! DH can see and feel them now.