Contractions!

[Emma-J]

I am 5 1/2 months pregnant and have already started having 'practice contractions' which started at about my 16th week, any of you other mum's have these as early as this, and yes I know they will get worse as the pregnancy progresses.

[johnlambert]

My beautiful wife is the same amount pregnant as you Emma, she gets them as well and she calls them Braxton-hix (not sure about the spelling) and she's nurse so she knows about that stuff.

Good luck and I hope it doesnt hurt too much when the new sprog pops out X

[Pippa68]

I have had 4 babies, & although I remember having Braxton Hicks contractions I don't think I had them as early as you ~ however, I was told after the birth of my first baby that I must have a very high pain threshold, so I may not be the correct person to give advice!

Do they seem very painful? they are usually described in the books as being mild, period cramp-like pains ~ but some women report that theirs range from very mild to 'take your breath away' sharpness.

I would be inclined to discuss it with your midwife to put your mind at ease ~ but one thing I will say, the general consensus is that Braxton Hicks are no way near as bad as proper labour contractions! 'practice contractions' they may be, but quite different ;o)

[Emma-J]

Thanks, I have already spoken to the midwife and she says it's totally normal, and they can vary in different women, some 'lucky' women don't get them at all.

John - do you know what you are having yet? I had a feeling what sex mine was, and I was right, we're having a girl! Can't wait, scared and excited all at once.

[clairelb]

Hi Emma-J. I'm 33 wks pregnant, and like you started having Braxton Hicks around 17 weeks, in fact, I what I thought was my first baby movement was in fact a Braxton Hicks. They won't necessarily get worse. I had them quite regularly, one a day for example for a little while and then they stopped - I get them occasionally when I go for a walk, but not a lot more. As far as I'm aware you only really need to worry yourself over them if you get lots in one day regularly as this can be a sign of prem labour, but otherwise, enjoy your pregnancy!

Good luck!

[johnlambert]

Emma,

Hi, yes we do, we're having a boy, cant wait, our other son is 2+ 3/4 and is looking forward to being a big brother.

[emarosa]

Hi, so glad I found your thread - I'm 21 weeks in to my third pregnancy and have been getting Braxton Hix for the last 2 weeks!!
I Was starting to worry a little but feel more relaxed now I know I'm not the only one!! I didn't start getting them until well after the 30 week mark with my other 2!!

Thanks for the words of wisdom!