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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Braxton Hicks at 22 weeks?

14 replies

MPuppykin · 25/02/2010 17:08

Hi All, I have been home since Tuesday with first extremely bad waves of pain and tightening of my uterus. I went to the hospital fearing early labour, and (wouldn't you know it) nothing happened for the time I was there, so they suggested i just have bed rest and keep an eye on myself. Since then the pain has diminished dramatically in intensity and frequency, but still every 4 hours or so I get what are now mild cramps and again the tightening of my stomach. I just wondered if this could be BH, and if so, if this is fairly normal to have BH so early? The MW comes to visit on Saturday, so i was going to just see how I go. No other problems like blood, just cramps.

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addictedtofrazzles · 25/02/2010 18:48

I am 23 weeks and having horrible BH. Really uncomfortable (but not painful). This is my second pregnancy and had them early on with DS1 so am not really worried this time round. However, will, like you, check with MW next week. I think it is really positive and ones uterus getting ready...have stated having flash back of labour pains though - had forgotten quite how unpleasant it all is!!!

xxkt1xx · 25/02/2010 18:51

not sure if its early so i would also know the answer to OP's question...i have been contracting since 24+5 and i had a positive fibronectine test done which came back positive (fibronectine (ffn) is a test to see if you are likely to deliver within 2 weeks) well im now 27+5 and still contracting but its been more than 2 weeks since the fibronectine test...and so quite intrested in the replies from others too xx

thisisyesterday · 25/02/2010 18:53

i had them from about 22 or 23 weeks with my second pregnancy, and earlier with my third

familygirl · 25/02/2010 19:01

I have had early 'tightenings' with all mine, and contractions so frequent and strong with DC4 I was put on a drip to stop. Supposedly I have an irritable uterus. I've had short labours which is nice but otherwise just have to take it easy or end up very uncomfortable.

Original poster

MPuppykin · 25/02/2010 19:18

OH, bless you all, thanks. I have been trying not to panic, and over-react (got a definite sense of being patted on the head by the hospital) yet they did not say if this was something that happens or not. Yet at the same time, worried about labouring early.

Feeling much better now, but will keep an eye on it. Love the idea of it being the uterus getting ready. Somehow that seems comforting.

OP posts:

xxkt1xx · 25/02/2010 20:03

if it keeps happening...ask if you can have the fibronectine test as if it is negative this is 98% accurate that you will NOT deliver within 2 weeks whereas a positive is far less accurate xxx good luck

hairymelons · 25/02/2010 21:08

i had them from 18weeks first time round. Also though it was early labour but I ended up going to 41 weeks.
The good thing about them is it gives you loads of breathing practise!

Original poster

MPuppykin · 26/02/2010 09:12

Thanks so much to everyone who replied. I shall def ask about the fibronectene test tomorrow also. Good luck too!

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ReneRusso · 26/02/2010 09:18

I was worried when I felt BH from about 12/14 weeks, but everything was fine and I'm now 34 weeks. Get plenty of fluids in you and get plenty of rest when you feel them.

WillowM2B · 26/02/2010 09:29

I am 21 weeks and have been feeling tightenings since about 12 weeks. I have had them starting early and remaining pretty frequent throughout all my pregnancies (expecting 3rd DC)

My last pregnancy (8 years ago!) I was 2 weeks overdue, due to be booked in for induction when I was having what I thought were BH's, as I had them quite frequently towards the end. Turned out to be actual painless labour - got to the hospital (at the advice from hospital) and was 6cm dilated. Baby arrived 2 hours later.

xxkt1xx · 10/03/2010 18:56

mpuppykin - how is it all going?? x

Original poster

MPuppykin · 10/03/2010 20:02

Oh, Hi, thanks for asking. Well, continued with painful contractions/tightenings/BH (?) for 4 days or so then it has quietened down since. I was on bed rest for about 6 days. I still get some tightening but no pain at all, and all seems to have settled down. But I am being very careful indeed and just doing light exercise, light housework.

I kept a record of when they happened and how painful they were (if I could talk or not) and they were pretty regular every couple of hours. Told the MW on the phone and when she came to visit me and the hospital when they continued being painful, but no-one seemed at all interested. I got the impression it was 'normal' and I was making a fuss. Perhaps, all fine now after all. Gave me a hullava fright though!

OP posts:

xxkt1xx · 10/03/2010 23:05

did you ask about the fibronectine test? i went in again on friday with "premature labour" aka braxton hicks im 29 weeks now and had yet another positive fibronectine test...booo lol xx not taking a positive ffn too serious as its only accurate with a negative (that u wont deliver within 2 weeks) keep resting up hun and hold onto that baby..and if i were u ditch the excercise till later on when baby has better chance xx good luck cooking

MummyTumble · 11/03/2010 07:34

I'm having similar - but every 5 mins for 30 hours plus at 32 weeks and 34 weeks. Been admitted twice to hospital and after a day and night in bed they have stopped. So i'm on sort of bedrest at home.

DS came at 36 weeks and i only had mild contractions with him and no-one really thought i was in labour as i wasn;t in pain

They have told me 'irritable womb' or braxton hicks....when i think basically they don't know whats going on...

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