Hi, I am currently 25 weeks. I have been having like a tightening feeling in my stomach where the muscles feel really tight, not pain or cramps just gets really tight for a few seconds.It happened a good bit yesterday...should I call my doctor or does anyone else have this??? I worry so much! Thank you!
Sounds like Braxton Hicks to me, but always call your doctor if you are worried. If it were 'real' labor, you would know. There is no question between labor contractions and Braxton...
just be aware...
i went into preterm labor at 27 weeks. i was at work and truly thought they were braxtons. i wasn't in any discomfort. but i told the nurses i was working with and i was told to sit down and call my midwife. sure enough, i was 70% and 2cm at 27 weeks. the thing with braxton hicks... if you feel them several times in a 15 minute period, sit down and put your feet up, drink a glass of water, and time them. braxton hicks should stop once you immoblize yourself and get hydrated. labor contractions keep on.
i am now 21 weeks with #2. #1 came at 38 weeks after 2 1/2 months of strict bedrest and meds. i am now a nurse and feel more confident in the info now that i have done a maternity rotation.
joanie
Thanks so much! They aren't that frequent but last night I had one that was a little more painful than the others. But I did do alot of walking yesterday.I will pay close attention to the frequency though and mention it to my doctor if it continues! I do appreciate the replies!!!
later in pregnancy Braxton Hicks usually becomes less frequen and les uncomfortable. The ligaments that support your uterus have a lot of extra weight on them now, so they have to stretch and get thicker to support it. That can cause some aches and pains. Is the pressure pushing down? That's a pretty good sign you should see your doctor. If you get 4 or so tightening sensations in an hour, then deffinately go. Around the last few weeks of pregancy, you do get a few "practice contractions", sometimes a little uncomfortable. It helps to thin your uterus and make labor easier.
