How much Braxton Hicks is normal?

[Jjajus]

I’ve been getting them on and off since around 16 weeks (first baby).

At 16 weeks they were really really mild to the point I only noticed them if I lay still and concentrated.

They’ve 100% ramped up now (I’m 32w 4d ) and I feel like I have them almost constantly as of the last 2 weeks!

If I walk for more than 5 mins I get them, if I’m lying in bed or on the sofa I’m aware that I have them probably 80% of the time.

I was in for reduced movements a few days back and the monitor was picking up contractions (the number on the machine went up to 40 - no idea if this means anything?), the midwife didn’t seem concerned and asked if I was having any pain, bleeding, leaking water etc and since the answer was no said it just looked like BH.

But I’m still a bit worried, is it normal to have them so much at this stage? I’m worried I will go into labour early.

They don’t hurt but they are really uncomfortable, my stomach/bump goes so rock hard that it stops me in my tracks especially if I’ve been walking.

If I get them when lying down I have to move to try get rid of them as they’re so intense! It’s a strange feeling as it doesn’t hurt it’s just so uncomfortable.

Has anyone else had this? How do I know whether it’s just BH or if I should be concerned?

Thanks everyone 💕

I had them constantly with ds1 and d2. They were born at 36.3 and 27 weeks respectively.

I didn't have a single one with dd. She was born at 41.5 with a little help bit things got going before the oxytocin was switched on.

Take it easy op.

Just want to say, if they do become painful please do report it. I did and the MW was like, oh yes they're painful for some people...two weeks later they had got so much worse that they told me "come to labour ward right now" (2am, only 31 weeks, we were absolutely terrified.)
Turns out I had an infection that they hadn't treated properly that was irritating my uterus and giving me labour pains. Thank goodness my baby is still safely inside, this was four days ago, and I'm on antibiotics for the infection.
I was getting them sometimes 4-5 times in one hour, but then nothing for a few hours. They've eased off now and aren't half as painful now the antibiotics are kicking in.

So yeah, it's no joke. If you are at all worried then insist on getting checked out. Especially if they become painful!

Ps just wanted to make clear, when they said come to labour ward right now, they meant cos I might be going into preterm labour. I didn't have a bag packed or anything, and they were like don't bother with that, just put a maxi pad on and get here right away. Never been so scared in my life.
Not to scare you (especially as I was fine in the end), but just to say please do get checked if you're at all worried. Best be safe than sorry.