Braxton Hicks at 20w

[LaMadrilena]

I've read that it's normal to have some Braxton Hicks contractions at 20w, but that they usually start in the 3rd trimester. I've been having them on and off all day. No pain, just goes rock hard for a minute or so. Has anyone else had so much so early? I've no other symptoms of anything that might be worrying (pain, bleeding etc.).

I had them with both of my pregnancies from about 8 weeks. I was concerned with the first one but was reassured by my midwife around 18 weeks that all was ok.

Mine started around 27 weeks for me. Are you drinking enough water / are you quite active day to day?

I found that if I was dehydrated or too active (going for long walks) it would bring them on more frequently.

If you do feel worried, maybe drop your midwife a message too.

I've hardly moved today, but I think I probably haven't drunk enough water either. Back to a routine tomorrow, so hopefully that'll help to see what's normal and what's not. And 20w scan on Tuesday, so I can ask the obstetrician.

I had Braxton Hicks from 20w too. I was still full time in my very active job then (on my feet for 10 hours a day) and that definitely didn't help, they calmed down when I was able to rest. It might be useful to start keeping track of them - I had to go in for monitoring for mine at 28w (all was fine) as they were so frequent but the midwife wanted to know how frequent, how long they lasted etc.

Iv had them earlier and earlier with every pregnancy. In my last they started around 14/15 weeks and all was fine. Sex also triggered them for me, I would have them on & off for hours after. The advice I went with is that if they aren't painful, regular & you aren't losing fluid it's fine but if you are still worried mention to midwife she will put your mind at ease. Make sure you keep hydrated & good luck.