stupid question - braxton hicks - please help!

[OatcakeCravings]

Hi folks,

I am around 35 weeks pregnant am having pains that feel like bad period pains. Assume these are braxton hicks? I have been having them on and off all day but they don't seem to come on with any regularity eg the pain might last 10 minutes and then half an hour later last 2 mins and so on.

Thanks!

My BH's (33+3 here) don't hurt like period pain- they are def uncomfortable and hurt a bit but are not crampy pains, more achey if that makes sense.

Maybe your baby is getting lower down and all that pressing against your pelvic floor is causing the pain?

I'd give your mw a call just to be on the safe side - I think sometimes urine infections can make you have these sorts of pains too so maybe worth getting checked out.

Good luck, let us know what mw says if you do contact her. x

Hiya,

Thanks Minkus, so not BH then! Still in a lot of pain, wonder if they are contractions....

I'll phone the midwife and see if I can get a hold of her.

Thanks

Have you spoken with your mw? How did you get on if so?

Any news????

Hi,

Phoned and left message with midwife so hopefully she'll phone me back today. Pains aren't as bad as yesterday at all so its probably ligament pain or something!

I've always thought that BH are irregular and uncomfortable and "proper" contractions are regular and painful. When it comes to the point that you can predict when the next one is coming then it's possibly the real thing.

Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

39 + 2 so more than ready and waiting for the "proper" ones lol

Hi,
I think there is no hard and fast rule. It depends on the woman.

I have to be monitored closely because of a DVT so have been reviewed at the hospital with BH / slightly stronger contractions. I am not sure there is a clear definition between them. I have had contractions that are mildly painful, I can speak through them, I feel periody but are (from examination) much more suggestive of early labour than BH. I have been told, this can go on for hours to days. No-one knows.

Oatcakecravings I think you are right to contact your midwife and she will be able to advise you. At 36 weeks though you should be okay but it's always best to check.

Good luck.

Lots of love NS XXXX