How painful were/are your braxton hicks.?

[pinkdolly]

I am on my 4th so I should know the answer to this myself. However, I really dont think I had B/H with any of my girls.

The reason I ask is this,

I have been on my hands and knees this morning scrubbing my rather large dining room floor. Now since about lunch time I have been getting regular (ish), say every 6 or 8 mins (haven't really timed properly)
tightnings, quite low down on my bump and they are quite painful (had to breath through the last few) Also accompanied by a pressure feeling down below.

I hestitate to say I am in labour as firstly I am only 37+2 and secondly , my first 2 girls were born in 4 and 2 hours (but I did wake having intense contractions at night). My third girl was induced and she was 1 hr 50 mins.

I am so not used to b/h but am starting to feeel that maybe something could be happening.

What is your expert opinion?

Mine really hurt, it felt like someone stabbing my fanjo from underneath too, not just in my tummy. Although it does sound like you could be in early labour TBH, especially with the timings. Have you had a show or anything? Keep timing them and ring your midwife or maternity unit if you are worried.

Good luck if you are going into labour BTW.

Braxton Hicks didn't hurt at all, just felt like my stomach clenched for a moment.

Only real contractions hurt and they were very low down - they were very mild to begin with.

My bump went rock hard, but it didn't hurt. It constantly stayed hard for a while as well.

Mmmmm, have you packed your hospital bag, or are you having a homebirth?

I have painful BH. Had them since 30 wks. mw says its fine - usually worse if you need the loo. Mine were painful when I walked. mw said if they stopped when I stopped or changed position they were braxton hicks. But if were regular and/or had more than 4 an hour when inactive then were probably real contractions!

thanx all, turns out they were labour pains. Caught me a bit unawares in the end and dh ended up delivering our baby boy this morning at 2:32 all by himself.

Congratulations PinkDolly, what a story to be able to tell him when he's older. Well done to both you and your husband. Are you all ok?

thanx tutu, yes we are all ok. Dh has gone for a much deserved sleep (although he said he feels v.guilty as it should be me in the bed) but I cant sleep yet anyway.

Oh my goodness! Congratulations to you both!!!

I managed to get to my friend's v quick birth just as she delivered and no midwife was present. It's quite a shock isn't it! So no wonder you can't sleep.

Wow what an entrance! So many congratulations to you all

congratulations! whats your son's name?

How exciting! Congratulations!

Congrats! How amazing

Congrats!

Thanku all, he is Gabriel and is very dinky only 5lbs 5 oz.

Ahhh, a little 'un. So cute. Great name, btw.

lovely name! and so lucky with all those big sisters

Congratulations! What a lovely name, and a star for a husband as well

Someone should tell all those overdue ladies on the Childbirth thread to get scrubbing their floors.