Terrible braxton hicks

[SecondBabyGirl]

Anyone else suffer with these?

I'm 30 weeks and I'm not tooooo worried at the moment, mainly because I had BH all throughout my third trimester with my first DD so I think it is just how I carry babies. Plus this baby is still very active and no signs that anything is wrong per se. But jesus christ these braxton hicks are painful and I get them as often as every 5 minutes. In my first pregnancy I went and got checked out every time they kicked off because they were so strong that I thought I was going into early labour. It always went the same way - rung up DAU, asked to come in - turn up at DAU - do urine test (clear) - hooked up to CTG (fine, but shows lots of tightenings) - wait several hours for doctor - examine cervix, looks closed - have very unpleasant swab done of cervix to check no early labour - all fine - sent home told to take paracetamol and have a warm bath.

The slightest thing seems to kick them off: being on my feet for more than 5 mins; needing a wee; trapped wind; feeling a bit full; baby being more active. It's like I have the world's most sensitive uterus.

Anyone else?!

I had quite strong braxton hicks in my third trimester which would take my breath away at times but they were never painful, just an intense squeezing sensation. Are you sure they are braxton hicks? I would be tempted to get checked if they are regular and painful!

I’m 35wks and the same as you. Loads of things set them off. I’ve had them this pregnancy since 18wks ish and same with my first pregnancy.
Ironically I had to be induced with my son as, despite months of braxton hicks, when my waters broke I got no contractions!

@SecondBabyGirl I’m due Sunday with DC3, I never had braxton hicks with the older 2, but this time I’ve had them from 14 weeks. From about 30 weeks they have been constant. I’ve had monitoring for various other reasons over the last few weeks and they are def BH. I find that they’re more persistent if I’m dehydrated/over hydrated. There might be something that is causing more irritation

I think this is sometimes called 'irritable uterus'. I often get intense (but not painful) bh on an evening. Sometimes 3 mins apart, sometimes 30. Just one of those things.

I'd echo above: get check out if painful or if you're concerned.

Nice to know I'm not alone, although sorry to anyone else suffering!
I did ring the maternity unit earlier to ask them for advice and they basically said that unless they become a regular pattern, and/or I have any bleeding or loss of fluids, then it's probably just BH. I almost feel like it's just constant pressure and tightening though, rather than coming and going like contractions if that makes sense?

If it's still going on tomorrow then I might go in to get checked just to be on the safe side. They said it could potentially be an unusual presentation of a UTI, so I guess it would be good to rule that out. But the weird thing is that it really calms down at night or when I'm lying down, but as soon as I sit or stand up I start to get all this pressure and everything goes so tight. Driving me barmy!

I had what is probably termed ‘irritable uterus’ with both babies. In the later weeks I would go to bed nightly with what seemed to be contractions, but like you they ease off lying down and were gone by morning.

Both of my labours were quite long and slow, but the BH had been there for weeks by then.

That’s not to say it’s this way with you and I do think it’s worth seeking advice.

@Flamingolingo I was in labour with DD1 for three days... for the first two days everyone was convinced it was BH because I wasn’t progressing despite ridiculously intense contractions. It was only when I got to day three and my waters went that they examined me and I was 4cm. That was when I was 36 weeks. Looks like this one is going to be similar maybe...!