CONTRACTIONS / BRAXTON HICKS AT 18 WEEKS

I had a contraction which I assume is Braxton Hicks. But I am only 18 weeks. Now, I don't know if it is because I had a big lunch and I am so full, but I felt very uncomfortable and my belly was tight for a while. I laid down and it felt a little better, not as tight as the contraction, but still uncomfortable. Has this happened to anyone else? Has anyone experienced contractions so early and if so is it normal? Or Is it just a result of eating too much? This is also my fourth pregnancy but first with twins.

 

I started with BH contractions around 16 weeks. My Dr. checked for a UTI as well as a yeast infection (both can cause contractions) I was put on progesterone injections due to my history of PTL. However, with that said, Yes, you can feel very uncomfortable from eating too much, you can also have a contraction if your bladder is full and as you get farther along the babies movements can cause a contraction as well. I would however mention it to your Dr. and keep track of them. My OB says having more contractions with twins is normal. This is my 4th viable pregnancy and I have had a lot more than with singles for sure. As you get farther along you will experience more contractions. Remember contractions may or may not be painful so keep an eye on them, drink lots of water and get rest when you need it!!

 

My dr said it's normal. He said the term braxton hicks contractions was coined years ago and made us to believe it's "bad". He said you can get BH contractions as early as 6 weeks!!!!! So I wouldn't worry!

 

I started with BH at 18 weeks, but went into PTL at 24 weeks. Just watch it, make sure you are drinking lots, and resting.

 

I started having BH at 18 weeks too, had them right up until my c-section at 38 weeks!

 

I've also been having braxton hicks since I was about 18 weeks. I have a ton of them. I find them pretty uncomfortable, but they are not causing any cervical changes, so I guess all is well. I'll be 30 weeks on Thursday, which is really a relief! When my bladder is full or getting up from a seated to a standing position I can almost be guaranteed to have a BH!!

 

My BH started about the same time @ 17-18wks. Mine really aren't painful they they kinda take my breath away and make my heart feel like it's in my throat. I have noticed them getting closer together the further along I get and am planning to ask the Dr about them on Friday. I think most of mine are when the babies make big movements.

 

Mine started around 16 weeks and lasted until I gave birth. All I ever got told was "well, it twins, that's what happens." It is normal since your uterus is growing at a faster rate.

 

Ha! I get that response for most questions asked and I am getting tired of hearing it. I know things are different with twins but can you give me a better answer than that I'm sure it will be the response i get on Friday too.

 

Normal.
I had many at that early stage. I just made sure I drank lots of water and didn't over do it.

 

They are normal as long as they don't start coming too frequently and/or getting painful. If you are ever in doubt, schedule an appt. with your OB/peri to be checked out. Or, even go over to L&D where they can monitor you for a couple of hours and put your mind at ease.

 

First I apologize if I am repeating anything any of the other woman may have written but...

I started having contractions around 17 weeks and they continued throughout the entire pregnancy. I was told that I had "irritable uterus"; it was extremely painful. Eventually I was put on Procardia 4x a day to help ease the contractions but they helped minimally. Sometimes if you drink a full glass of water and rest/lay down for a while they can ease up a bit. They are definitely NOT fun.

I hope this is a one time occurrence for you and that things get better soon! Good luck!!