Braxton hicks at 20 weeks?? Very worried

[memoo]

I'm 20 weeks pregnant and for the last few days I have been having really strong tightenings. I know this is common but should it really be happening at 20 weeks.

I'm really worried its a bad sign and I'm going to go into early labour or something

If they are not accompanied with pain then I wouldn't worry, but if you are still at all worried about them ring your midwife.

With my first DD I had BH from about 32 weeks pg, not strong ones either. With this pg (30+1) I have had BH from really early (about 10-11 weeks) I too was worried about them but they were not painful so my midwife said not to worry.

Are you getting any pain with them, like lower back pain?

it's fine! really, absolutely normal.
is this your first pregnancy?

it won't make you go into premature labour, it's a good sign that your body is preparing itself though

They happen from day 1. Different women feeling them at different stages. It is only concerning if they are accompanied by pain OR you have more that 4 tightenings in an hour OR your waters have gone.

Keeping your bladder empty and yourself well hydrated can help reduce freequency and strength

They are not painful at all but feel really strong. This is my 3rd pregnancy but don't remember getting this early with the first 2 or as strong either.

I am on third pregnancy and have had braxton hicks since about 16 weeks. Really noticeable as such, hardening of the uterus and that dragging feeling.

I think it's, with me, because a) stomach tone not what it once was - nothing to hold them in b) third time, body has done it all before and is much more efficient.

You doo tend to feel them earllier in subsequent pgs.

memoo, i got them earlier with each pg.
first was about 34 weeks, second was about 24 weeks, third was about 16/17 weeks.

i too was concerned, but posted online about it and was reassured by a few midwives

You have all put my mind at rest so much! thank you

I am going to take it as a good sign then, that my body is working how it should. Had to be induced with first 2 DC so maybe this time I'll start by myself