What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?

I wasn't able to recognize my braxton-hicks until I was around 30 weeks last time. This pregnancy I started feeling them around 18 weeks because I knew what to look for. Yes, it feels like a "tightness" in your lower belly. If you push on your uterus it actually feels hard.

As for when to worry, if you can't really "feel" them, you don't need to worry. If you feel like you're getting a lot then make sure you're well hydrated etc. The concern is if you go into preterm labor. You'll know if this is the case - I promise :)

Hi E.,
I feel like I have some experience in this. My first was born premature and I was on bedrest from 26-35 weeks with my 2nd.

Here's what I know. Sudden movements (and even ones that are not so sudden) will cause a contraction (braxton hicks). If you are sitting down and you get up and you have one, that falls in the "normal" range. Going to the bathroom is also a time that you may get one and its "normal." What I was told was that if I get one, take it easy . . .sit down, drink some water or juice and see if it subsides. Oh and the active baby can also cause a contraction as well.

I hope this helps. Hang in there and try (ha, ha) to rest when you can. Enjoy your next few months!
B. :-)

Hi E.,
Welcome to the mom of 2 club and congrats.
Yes, you are feeling contractions. I just delivered my 2nd son 10 months ago and had the same thing with the second pregnancy. My Dr. said that subsequent pregnancys experience them often and it is very normal...annoying, but normal. Kind of felt like very mild cramping. Once I went into labor at 38 weeks, that felt like bad cramping for about 1 day straight off and on before the mucus plug fell out and it was game on.

Sounds like braxton hicks. I would just mention it to your dr. next time. As long as they don't get harder/closer together don't be overly worried, but I would call to let them know if you do have more than 4 in an hour again and they are open. If they aren't open, I'd watch and see....lay down on your left side and drink some water...that is supposed to help calm them down. If they don't get away after that or get closer together or more uncomfortable, then I would call.

It sounds like BH. I had them really early with my first pregnancy. It felt like a tightening and a rolling on my stomach. As long as they are random and don't cause pain they should be fine. I often thought I had more than 4 in an hour as well. I don't think a call to the doctor on Monday would hurt. If you get super concerned and really aren't sure just go to the ER.

I would call your doctor and make an appointment. It might be BH, but it usually doesn't happen this early. I had my son premature at 27 weeks - and it is a very scary thing to go through. You will feel better if you follow up with your doctor. If it is BH, then that is fine. But better safe than sorry...

I got them constantly with all of my pregnancies. They are normal, but I can understand your concern. If you start getting them regularly, like every ten minutes (which I did with all three and it would last hours) drink a glass of water and lie down on your left side. The bh should stop within the hour.

those are them! You'll have them for the next month or two so don't just call anyone quite yet. It is very common to feel them early on with each progressive pregnancy. The first you don't usually feel it unless you are petite and slender. Enjoy these last few months!