I have been experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions recently.
I don't remember feeling BH contractions for #1
Now I strongly feel the contractions.
Faster get my night gowns washed.
Need to pack my bag le~
Some info on Braxton Hicks contractions
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Some time towards the middle of your pregnancy, or maybe even earlier,
you may notice the muscles of your uterus (womb) tightening.
If you place your hands on your bare bump when this is happening,
you can feel how hard your uterus becomes.
The bigger your uterus gets, the more you notice the tightening sensations when they happen.
What do Braxton Hicks contractions do?
Braxton Hicks contractions may just be a sign that your uterus is keeping its muscle fibres toned.
It could be that these contractions keep your uterus in good condition and ready for the rigours of labour.
What's the difference between Braxton Hicks and labour contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions:
• are infrequent, usually happening no more than once or twice an hour, a few times a day
• often stop if you change activity, so, walk around if you've been sitting, and vice versa
• are usually irregular, and if they are regular they only stay that way for a short spell
• do not last long, usually less than a minute
• continue to be unpredictable and non-rhythmic
• do not increase in intensity
Compared to Braxton Hicks contractions, labour contractions are usually:
•noticeably longer
•more regular
•more frequent
•more painful
•keep on going, increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity as time goes on
You may experience what is called false labour.
This is when Braxton Hicks contractions come more rhythmically,
perhaps every 10 to 20 minutes in late pregnancy
False labour can be hard to tell apart from early labour,
particularly if the tightening of your uterus feels uncomfortable.
However, during false labour your cervix won't have started to change yet.
Your midwife will be able to tell by carrying out a vaginal examination.
What if the Braxton Hicks contractions become painful?
As your pregnancy progresses,
these contractions may become more intense and even painful at times.
When this happens, they may feel like the real thing.
But however strong they feel at the time, if they ease off, they are probably Braxton Hicks.
You may notice that Braxton Hicks contractions come more often when you do even light activity, such as carrying the shopping.
If you feel discomfort, it sometimes helps to lie down, or, conversely, to get up and take a walk.
It's the change in activity that can help to ease pain.
A warm bath sometimes helps, too.
When should I call my doctor or midwife?
If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, call your doctor or midwife if your contractions are accompanied by:
•watery discharge or bloody vaginal discharge
•lower back pain or cramping
These are signs that you may be going into premature labour
After 37 weeks, call your doctor or midwife if:
•you think your baby's movements have slowed down
•you think your waters have broken
•you have any bleeding
More info can be found at Baby centre
I don't remember feeling BH contractions for #1
Now I strongly feel the contractions.
Faster get my night gowns washed.
Need to pack my bag le~
Some info on Braxton Hicks contractions
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Some time towards the middle of your pregnancy, or maybe even earlier,
you may notice the muscles of your uterus (womb) tightening.
If you place your hands on your bare bump when this is happening,
you can feel how hard your uterus becomes.
The bigger your uterus gets, the more you notice the tightening sensations when they happen.
What do Braxton Hicks contractions do?
Braxton Hicks contractions may just be a sign that your uterus is keeping its muscle fibres toned.
It could be that these contractions keep your uterus in good condition and ready for the rigours of labour.
What's the difference between Braxton Hicks and labour contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions:
• are infrequent, usually happening no more than once or twice an hour, a few times a day
• often stop if you change activity, so, walk around if you've been sitting, and vice versa
• are usually irregular, and if they are regular they only stay that way for a short spell
• do not last long, usually less than a minute
• continue to be unpredictable and non-rhythmic
• do not increase in intensity
Compared to Braxton Hicks contractions, labour contractions are usually:
•noticeably longer
•more regular
•more frequent
•more painful
•keep on going, increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity as time goes on
You may experience what is called false labour.
This is when Braxton Hicks contractions come more rhythmically,
perhaps every 10 to 20 minutes in late pregnancy
False labour can be hard to tell apart from early labour,
particularly if the tightening of your uterus feels uncomfortable.
However, during false labour your cervix won't have started to change yet.
Your midwife will be able to tell by carrying out a vaginal examination.
What if the Braxton Hicks contractions become painful?
As your pregnancy progresses,
these contractions may become more intense and even painful at times.
When this happens, they may feel like the real thing.
But however strong they feel at the time, if they ease off, they are probably Braxton Hicks.
You may notice that Braxton Hicks contractions come more often when you do even light activity, such as carrying the shopping.
If you feel discomfort, it sometimes helps to lie down, or, conversely, to get up and take a walk.
It's the change in activity that can help to ease pain.
A warm bath sometimes helps, too.
When should I call my doctor or midwife?
If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, call your doctor or midwife if your contractions are accompanied by:
•watery discharge or bloody vaginal discharge
•lower back pain or cramping
These are signs that you may be going into premature labour
After 37 weeks, call your doctor or midwife if:
•you think your baby's movements have slowed down
•you think your waters have broken
•you have any bleeding
More info can be found at Baby centre
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