Braxton hicks/hard uterus 19 weeks

[Meg237]

Hi! This is the first time I’ve posted here but I just want to know anyone’s experience with what feels like constant Braxton hicks! I’m 19+2 and have been having on/off Braxton hicks since about 17 weeks, and then the last couple of days they’ve cranked up a notch!! Every time I get up and move around my uterus goes rock hard, and every time I pee too!! I don’t have a UTI, baby’s moving LOADS. The tightenings don’t hurt at all just irritating, I’ve tried drinking loads of water, not letting my bladder get too full, resting and having a bath and not had much help, just wondering if anyone has any tips?
If anyone’s worried about preterm labour I went to triage yesterday to be checked out just incase it was something to be worried about and I’m all fine! Thanks xx

Glad it’s not preterm labour. I can’t help with the Braxton hicks. It seems very early to feel them. Have you had them with a previous pregnancy?

Just to say that if anything gets worse please go back to triage. Not wanting to worry you but problems from other organs can also affect baby. For example “kicks” on the right can be your appendix. Or gallstones can be a problem.

Thanks so much for the reply! Just to let you know they actually have got a lot better, still getting them but not noticing as much, I was also getting a lot of back pain that comes and goes, sometimes feels like period pain but most of the time it feels muscular, turns out it’s everything stretching apparently and an obstetrician told me your bump can feel quite tight when muscles are struggling to stretch!!
Still keeping and eye on it but definitely not as worried anymore!! Thanks xx

Glad it seems ok. I do remember some stretching pain from my first pregnancy. For my other pregnancies my body just knew to give up trying to hold itself together!!

Mine always start very early too. I suggest making sure you are always well hydrated and whenever possible well rested. When I used to work night shifts they would get very bad.

Are you doing too much? I've heard being too physical can bring them on too. Make sure you don't overdo it x

Taking magnesium seemed to stop mine (at 18w). You have to stop taking it at 35w though.