How many Braxton Hicks contractions are normal?

[CinnabarRed]

I'm currently 21 weeks pregnant with DS2. Pregnancy with DS1 was a bit fraught - two full on threatened labours at 29 and 31 weeks, amongst other things. As a result I'm very sensitive about this pregnancy, probably overly so, as is DP. When in hospital with last pregnancy a number of doctors and midwifes commented on how I got a very high number of BH contractions that were unusually powerful and 'well co-ordinated', and although no-one knew why I had the problems I did several speculated that the BH might have been either connected or responsible.

I've been getting a lot of BH for the past couple of weeks (since 18 weeks) and they have been getting steadily stronger over the past few days. I now have them any time I exert myself physically, even standing up from the sofa or walking upstairs.

My midwife has told me to take it easy, and to consider not going into work. It's not always that easy, is it?

So my question is - when in your pregnancies did you start to get BH, how frequently and did they ever worry you?

(Oh, and I suppose also - do you think I need to get an appointment with a doctor to get checked out?)

Many thanks.

Well they say its very unusual to get BH before 30 weeks, although I did and had similar threatened early labour with my DC1 from about 28 weeks onwards. Eventually I went 2 weeks overdue!

Tbh though, if you are getting them at 18 weeks and in the manner to which you describe, I would suggest going to see your GP ASAP.

Yup, thought that might be the consensus. Will try to get an appointment with the GP or midwife tomorrow, if only to put poor DP's mind at rest. I had a scan on Friday (have them every 2 weeks to check my cervix) and it's still lovely and long and tightly closed, which was reassuring.

I had them alot with DS but not til very late on. I am 21 weeks now and have had a few today which have worried me although I have been on the go non stop today! Think I might have a sit down for a bit.

Am so glad there is a recent thread on here re BH. Had really strong BH all day on Saturday (am 31+1) and not having knowingly experienced any with DD was quite concerned. There has been quite lot on the go lately though so perhaps I need to take things easy for a bit.

Is it normal for them to be fairly regular (every 15 min or so) and strong enough to take your breath away? On the plus side each one was only very brief...

I'm not sure if I've had any yet - I'm 35 weeks. Is that normal?? What do they feel like?

I'm seeing my midwife on Friday so will report back then.

Bigpreggybelly - my whole bump goes hard as my muscles tighten, and it ranges from entirely painless through wincing to (very occasionally take-my-breath away. Each one lasts from between 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Mine are triggered by any kind of physical activity or having a full bladder (and sometimes for no obvious reason at all, although I've heard that being dehydrated can also be a cause). Some people don't get them at all, WorkingStudentMummy with her DD, for example.

Had them from about 17 / 18 weeks. Also tiggered by getting up from sitting down + going up + down stairs. Had an early labour scare at 30 weeks but whilst consultants thought "lively uterus" (ie lots of braxton hicks) contributed it wasn't actually cause.
Their view seemed to be that as long as they aren't accelerating & stop or at least calm down when you sit / lay down they shouldn't be a problem but you need to make sure you don't get so used to them that you don't notice when they are getting more frequent & regular. Unfortunately lots of physical rest does seem to be solution.