Endless braxton hicks or something else?

[Mybobowler]

I'm 32 weeks with my second baby.

First pregnancy, I had frequent BH from about 25 weeks until my waters broke early at 34 weeks, so I'm familiar with the feeling - or thought I was!

I'm currently experiencing what feels like almost constant braxton hicks - my bump feels tight, hard and contracted but it's on and off basically all day. If I get up after a long period of sitting (like today, when I've been working) or, conversely, if I walk further five minutes. Is this a thing? Does it count as BH if it's almost constant, or is this something else? It's been like this since Sunday, and I'm so uncomfortable. I've got my two non-working days with my toddler now and I have no idea how I'm going to keep up with her while I'm feeling like this!

I'll speak to my midwife but I feel really daft - I should be able to tell what's what, surely?! Baby is big and breech, if that's relevant.

Hi,
Yes some would classify it as Brixton Hicks and others “prodromal labour” (you can research it to see if it fits your symptoms).

It is absolutely thought in some cases to be the body’s attempt at turning round the baby so may well be because of the breech situation.
I have Braxton Hicks almost constantly now and it’s exhausting!

@thebookworm1 oh wow, that's so interesting/bizarre! I didn't think the breech presentation was related - I'll definitely do some more reading.

I ended up down a bit of a Google rabbit hole and I'm now wondering whether it could an irritable uterus (to match my general demeanour). My Google diagnosed has then sent me thinking back to my first baby, and wondering whether her early arrival was related to the intense and frequent braxton hicks. I've been convinced this entire pregnancy that I won't go to term, and it's hard to tell the difference between neuroticism and a normal cause for concern.

This evening has been almost constant tightening, I'm exhausted!

PP is much more knowledgeable than me, but I just wanted to say I've had tightening of my bump when walking and running from about 20 weeks. I'm 29 weeks now and it's still happening. It goes rock solid, feels really tight, and all the weight feels really low in my pelvis, until I sit down and relax and it slowly subsides. Is that what you mean by constant? This is my first pregnancy so it's all new to me.

@dorothygaleandtoto that's the sensation, yes! But mine is on and off all day and not related to activity levels. I briefly thought I was in early labour a couple of nights ago (my contractions in my first labour were basically painless until I was past 4cm dilated, so I won't be using pain as a marker this time around!). Have you spoken to your midwife about yours? I mentioned it at my appointment today and the MW I saw (not my usual one) was a bit dismissive and disinterested

I have this too! It’s not every day, but some days I have what feels like constant braxton hicks. Like you it’s uncomfortable and my stomach feels permanently tight. It seems to be worse on days where exercising or when I haven’t had enough water. I had it in my first pregnancy towards the end, but it’s much earlier this time (probably noticed around 31-32 weeks). Forgot to bring it up with my midwife though.

@staherts it's so bizarre! How far along are you now?

It's bad this evening - edging on painful. I'm almost tempted to call triage but I don't even know what I'd say. Part of my concern is that I don't get any big movements when my bump is so tight and contracted, so while I can just about feel him, it doesn't feel normal.

I've basically just let this make me feel really anxious and I've convinced myself that baby is on his way. I've completely lost trust in my judgement.

Ring them I think. They can tell you if it’s something to look into more. Just tell them you are having constant tightenings and can’t feel your baby as you normally would. Best to get these things checked if you are worried.

I found drinking more has helped me a bit, so might be worth trying that if they don’t ask you to come in. I also had a night around 32 weeks where I was concerned about premature labour - was deeply uncomfortable and felting never ending! But then it calmed down over the next few days.

Hi OP, I've been experiencing something really similar for weeks and Google also "diagnosed" me with irritable uterus! When i get up from a longer period of sitting or when I walk any distance, my whole belly goes absolutely solid for minutes at a time and eases if i can lie down on my side. Braxton hicks are only supposed to last 30 secs apparently

I'm 32 weeks and fairly convinced baby keeps switching between transverse and breech so perhaps it is like a PP said it's the body trying to shift it! I've recently been doing lots of forward sitting/leaning on/over birth ball in the evenings and it definitely seems to have lessened a bit. It's so uncomfortable though! You have my sympathy, esp with another little one to look after! Will keep an eye on this thread for any more words of wisdom!