Not sure what's going on. Is this just Braxton Hicks or something else

[tjtheminx]

I am 24 + 2 with DS 2. Ever since Monday night I've had a sharp pain down the centre of my bump and a lot of pressure down low.I've also had tightness all over my bump ( it's rock hard) and what feels like a stitch down both sides.

The pressure down below feels like when you have a really full bladder and really need to pee....I am literally walking hunched forward. The pain isn't too bad but I am really uncmfortable.

I look like my bump has dropped ( it is a fairly big one for 24 weeks ) -although I might be imagining that.And also, not sure if it's relevant but have felt like I am about to burst into tears at any minute ( I only mention it as I am not normally a crier but could be in floods at any minute)

I had a doctors appointment yesterday and mentioned it to the obstetrician but he basically ignored me (grr... told me that "aches and pains come and go..."). I am assuming it's not a UTI since they dipped my urine and didn't mention anything.

I didn't have BH with my first pg so maybe it's that but I am freaking myself out that I am in false (or real!) labour.

Any advice?

It does sound like BH if it is in the middle of your bump. However, if you are worried (and it sounds like you are) perhaps you should call your midwife and she could either reassure you or send you for monitoring. Alternatively ring EPU? It is probably nothing but better safe than sorry.

Also perhaps have a lie down and see if they subside when you rest. If they do, it is likely they are BHs

lol at the obstetrician! He sounds just like mine. I know they're used to anxious mothers to be, but honestly, you'd think they'd be a bit more reassuring or at least take you seriously, especially considering it's not your first pregnancy. Mine said the same about some cramps that were so bad they scared the life out of me, but mine weren't ongoing like yours.

Would definitely ring midwife or the hospital. No one is going to mind a phone call.

To clarify for when you ring - is it constant pain or regular cramps? Is it relieved by anything - sitting/standing/lying? Is it worse at any particular time of day?

Good luck anyway, I think you'll feel better if you get it checked out.

Thanks Trillian and lifeistooshort.

First, they don't tend to go away when I lie down. Have been woken by them/ finding it difficult to sleep for the last two nights. Worst when I try to stand from sitting or other way around.

I'm in the US so the ridiculous way the system is set up I would just get through to another obstetrician... who from my experience so far is likely to fob me off. There are a couple of midwives in the practise but leaving a message for one of them is a bit of a waste of time as they never ring back for days...( although they do seem more sensible than the docs)

Anyway, I'm gone off the point. In the last couple of hours the pain seems to be localised right above where my bladder should be so I've bought a few urine test strips and will see how that goes.If it looks like I actually have a UTI I'll call them tomorrow. Don't think there's such a thing as an EPU around here...

It could be ligament pain - it can be very bad. I'm having it right now and was sent off for monitoring yesterday (am 40 weeks). Baby perfectly happy and that's the only thing they worry about if no bleeding and no amniotic fluid. If they're not coming and going then they're definitely neither contractions nor BH.