braxton hicks

Dianne - posted on 03/28/2010

I agree with Jackie in the above comment. Dehydration can cause contractions, and be easily stopped by drinking non-caffinated drinks.
Contractions that cause pain and are less than 10 minutes apart may not be Braxton Hicks. You need to be evaluated and if your cervix is dilating you may need intervention. Please seek help from your heath care provider.
Not being able to breath during contractions is a sign of active labor. Hopefully that is not the case. I am glad you are scheduled to see your Dr soon, but encourage you to call the office and report this to the nurse or Dr, tomorrow.

Isn't COM the best? I love the support we get so easily on this website.
Take care and good luck on your upcoming addition to the family.:)

Jackie - posted on 03/28/2010

dehydration is a very common stimulus to braxton hicks! Drink more water! that is what my doctor told me and that seemed to work last night!

Tiffany - posted on 03/25/2010

And that's the annoying part.. lol They are only your body practices yet they are so painful and fierce. For me, the only thing I have to watch out for that may have brought them forth is if I've stood too long through out the day. Even just staying up later at night and not allowing myself to actually go to bed will send them into action..

Brandy - posted on 03/24/2010

Where is the pain? Because I had BH alot during my second pregnancy and that sounds way too intense to be them. It actually sounds more like when I have a gall bladder attack. If the pain is mostly on the right side, below the ribcage or sometimes in the lower right shoulder blade, than it could be your gall bladder. Attacks used to put me on all fours gasping for air and they are set off by greasy or oily foods like beef lasagna or fish or pizza. Ask your doctor about it if that's where the pain is. BH should only be in the pelvic area and yes, they are practice contractions and more women get them in second pregnancies because your body knows what is about to happen this time and wants to be ready. Think of it like sit-ups for your uterus, the more it does, the stronger it will be during labor, usually making it faster and easier.

Octavia - posted on 03/24/2010

Hey Chantel,
I agree with Niki. Your body is just practicing for the real thing. I was having them at 16 weeks. I went to see my high risk doctor and they had to do an ultrasound because I kept getting a little bit of pain down there and in my back. During the ultrasound they could see me having the braxton hicks contractions. They said it was normal for woman that early to have them as long as they don't go over 3.0. So, I would say they are normal for now, until the real ones come. Good Luck!

Mellissa - posted on 03/24/2010

I got braxton hicks alot with my first and it was always when I was dehydrated. Try getting more fluid intake, but yes, it is also your body practicing for labor. If this is happening a lot to you, though, you might be dehydrated too. Even if you aren't dehydrated it can't hurt to drink a little more. Good luck, I know how painful they can be. Actually my braxton hicks were worse than my actual labor, so this may be a little good for you too.

Katy - posted on 03/24/2010

Braxton hicks are normally not that painful. I started having them around 28 weeks but they were just a quick tightening feeling and then a release after about 15-20 seconds. If they are causing you that much pain, I would call your doctor before Thursday. They shouldnt feel like a period cramping (or normally do not from what I am told, dont panic though just because yours do!)

Kat - posted on 03/24/2010

Braxton Hicks can start much much earlier in the pregnancy than that. I guess it depends on who you talk to, but I have been told by a midwife that Braxton Hicks don't really hurt. If it feels like period pain I'd get it checked out. If it's not then maybe as Niki says & just the ligaments stretching. That is definitely painful from my experience.

Niki - posted on 03/23/2010

yeah, its just your body practicing, stretching out the ligaments to make birthing a bit easier - just go with them and breath through it. a hot bath or massaging your tummy can help xx