Tight bump. Am I being a first timer stress-head?

[Funkycherry]

Hi,

33wks with first.
Been having braxton hicks since about 28wks.
Sometimes my bump goes tight for an hour or so at a time. It gets so tight and uncomfortable that I can't sleep.

I've mentioned it to my midwife and she just dismissed it as Braxton Hicks, but said I should go to the hospital if I notice any bleeding.

Having lurked around here for a bit, the general concensus seems to be that the last weeks of pregnancy are crap and uncomfortable and this is perfectly normal.

What I want to know is at what point do you say enough is enough and go and get yourself checked at a hospital?
And what do you do, just turn up at A&E?

Some nights I just lie in bed crying because I'm so desperate to sleep but feel so tight and uncomfortable I can't.

If I'm just being a neurotic first-timer please tell me.

Hi I'm feeling exactly as you describe just now. First timer too and 36 weeks so no idea myself but would love to hear others answers. First time I've felt this bad, not been sleeping great most nights but only had about 1 hour tonight so far and got work in the morning still. Just feel so uncomfortable, almost feels like really bad wind, hope it is.

I'm so jealous you're 3 wks ahead of me- lol.

Haven't even tried to sleep yet.

Luckily, I've been signed off work now, as going to work on 2-3hours sleep for the last couple of months has finished me off.

BTW - I thought it might be wind too and at the weekend read on the back of the 'Deflatine' box 'safe for use during pregnancy.' Its amazing how elated that one sentance made me!

Lets hope some experienced mums give us some advice.

Poor you, must say I've had it fairly easy so far. Hoping to finish work this weekend but not that easy as I'm self employed so tempting to just do a little bit here and there, though at least it's my choice.
Hope you get some sleep soon. X

I think it is fairly normal - I remember feeling like someone had just poured cement in there. It was so hard, heavy and tight and I couldnt get comfortable.

If there is pain involved - as in more than a general ache I would ring the midwife back. Saying that if you are ever worried it is better to waste a bit of time and look stupid than something actually to be wrong.

It is horrible. I had it with DS and am now 25 weeks with DC2 and noticing it already.

Try and work out if there is something you've been doing that makes it worse so that you can then avoid it. For me, the two things are exerting myself too much (long or fast walks, lots of housework without rests, running around after DS etc.) and eating a big meal. I was seriously uncomfortable after a delicious Sunday lunch at the weekend. I think I need to start cutting back portion sizes at meals but perhaps having a few more snacks in the day - maybe that would work for you too.

So long as it is 'just' uncomfortable and stopping you sleeping, I'm afraid this is probably normal. If you actually have a lot of pain with it then that is when I'd be going to A&E.

It's rotten though, isn't it? You have my empathy.

I love the cement comment - thats exactly it - I'll use it to explain to DH what its like.

It is just uncomfortable so seems like I just have to 'suck it up.'

Already told my DH that I am NEVER getting pregnant again!

Thanks ladies - its nice just to whinge to people that understand.

Ha ha - thats what I said. Am now pregnant with DC3!

If you could just take the bump off for an hour or so, run around like a fool, dive on your stomach...would all be so much better