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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Braxton Hicks?

15 replies

shangelawasrobbed · 09/12/2021 11:04

So I'm exactly 34 weeks pregnant and got woken up this morning by some pains low down in my tummy/pelvis. They're a cramp type pain, and they radiate a bit to my lower back. The pain is all below my belly button - nothing at all higher up.

I didn't think to much of it and tried to get back to sleep (I have a couple of days off work so don't have anywhere to be), but the pains have continued and are coming in waves. They only last for around 30 seconds each time. To begin with they were coming every twenty minutes or so, now they're coming every 10-12 minutes.

I rang the maternity triage at 9:30 and they told me to take some paracetamol and call them back in a few hours if the pains start getting a lot stronger or were coming a lot closer together. I've taken some paracetamol but this hasn't really made a difference.

My question is, does this sound like Braxton Hicks contractions and is it normal for Braxton Hicks to go on for so long? (It's been about five hours now).

I really don't want to be in labour as I'm only 34 weeks pregnant. Also, I had a scan on Monday and the baby was breech so that's another reason I don't want to be in labour yet. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's just Braxton Hicks, but this is my first baby so I don't really know what to expect. Can anyone offer any advice?

OP posts:
CelloYouveGotABass · 09/12/2021 12:23

Hi, I’m mostly just bumping this in the hope someone more knowledgable comes along!

In my experience labour contractions are from the top where as BH were lower down.

Labour contractions also are too painful to talk through. If you’re still concerned, definitely give the midwife a call.

Original poster
shangelawasrobbed · 09/12/2021 12:58

Thanks so much for the reply. They've actually started to get a bit shorter and less intense so I'm hoping they'll stop soon!

OP posts:
Original poster
shangelawasrobbed · 10/12/2021 03:08

They didn't stop! They eased for a bit in the afternoon and became less frequent and more gentle, but at about 4pm they started ramping up again and they're still going!

I've called the maternity triage and they've said to carry on taking paracetamol and to call them if they're still going after a full 24 hours (so if they haven't stopped by 6am), but they definitely don't think I'm going into labour (and neither do I, after much googling).

I'm still pretty sure it's just Braxton Hicks but does anyone have any tips for making them stop? And has anyone had them go on for this long before? They started at 6am-ish.

OP posts:
Original poster
shangelawasrobbed · 10/12/2021 16:38

Update: it was not Braxton Hicks! I finally went to hospital at about 5am after I started bleeding, and I was 9cm dilated by the time I got there! He was still breech but they decided to attempt a vaginal birth as I was quite far gone for a c section. I needed an episiotomy, but luckily he was born safe and sound, bum first, this morning! He's on the NICU now but doing well. Just updating in case anyone else ever comes back to this thread looking for answers to a similar problem in future xx

OP posts:
kmbegs · 10/12/2021 16:40

Oh my god that's crazy and I hope you and the baby are okay!

HollyChristmas · 10/12/2021 16:40

Congratulations Flowers

sunflowersandstars · 10/12/2021 16:44

I hope baby and you remain healthy and safe! Congratulations on his arrival ❤️

AllTheUsernamesAreAlreadyTaken · 10/12/2021 16:44

In October, I was having “Braxton Hicks” for a few days before suddenly feeling the urge to push one night.
I gave birth on my kitchen floor with just my husband there to help.
It was my third baby and I was waiting for the proper painful contractions before going to hospital.

Sounds like you had a similar experience!

Congratulations! X

CelloYouveGotABass · 10/12/2021 16:57

I was just logging on to see how you were getting on OP!

Congratulations ❤️

Original poster
shangelawasrobbed · 10/12/2021 20:31

@AllTheUsernamesAreAlreadyTaken - That sounds terrifying! I'm glad we made it to hospital, I think I would have petrified trying to do that at home!

@CelloYouveGotABass - Thank you for think y of us! xxx

OP posts:
AllTheUsernamesAreAlreadyTaken · 10/12/2021 20:40

I didn’t really have time to be frightened. I was having mild contractions one minute and then the urge to push.
Strangely, it was the calmest I’ve ever been giving birth. I felt completely in control.
Obviously, it would/ could have been a very different story but my baby was head down and ready to go and it was my third so I knew the drill.
I probably only had about 6 minutes of real pain!
So different to my previous two.

I’m glad you got to the hospital in time! Isn’t it incredible what our bodies can do?

bowchickawowwoww · 10/12/2021 20:40

Aww congratulations OP what a perfect Christmas present 💙Thanks

Original poster
shangelawasrobbed · 11/12/2021 06:18

@AllTheUsernamesAreAlreadyTaken

I didn’t really have time to be frightened. I was having mild contractions one minute and then the urge to push. Strangely, it was the calmest I’ve ever been giving birth. I felt completely in control. Obviously, it would/ could have been a very different story but my baby was head down and ready to go and it was my third so I knew the drill. I probably only had about 6 minutes of real pain! So different to my previous two.

I’m glad you got to the hospital in time! Isn’t it incredible what our bodies can do?

It really is phenomenal. And i's crazy how your body knows what to do even if you don't have a clue!
OP posts:
WildFlowerBees · 11/12/2021 06:46

Congratulations 🎉 lovely news!

OldTinHat · 11/12/2021 07:06

Good grief OP! But congratulations on your beautiful baby!

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