I have been having what I describe as moderate menstrual pain for the the last few days (mostly in my back, just like when I would have my period). I couldn't really feel my uterus tightening when I was sitting or standing. I called my nurse after dealing with it for a day and half, and she said that people often describe BH contractions as feeling like menstrual pain/cramps. She also said that if I was getting more than 6 an hour to call back. Last night when we finally got home from work, I laid down and drank A LOT Of water. When laying down, I could definitely push on my belly and feel when it got tight. But, it wasn't my entire uterus...just an area on the right. At any rate, after resting/water, I started to feel a lot better and even fell asleep for an after-dinner nap. So, now that it's morning again and I'm back at work, I'm worried that they'll return. I have been chugging water, knowing that I did not drink as much water this weekend as I normally do!! I'm hoping that was the cause... So, my questions: 1) Do many of you have BH every day? Is this bad? 2) Can they do much to your cervix? I keep thinking I feel changes down there, but I also know that someone is pushing or kicking my cervix. 3) If I can't really feel the tightening (unless lying down), how do I count them? I guess I just need some reassurance that this is okay...one minute I feel calm and not worried. The next I start to panic that I'm having preterm labor and I'll lose these babies :-(
:hug99: I had tons of BH contractions during the last couple months of my pregnancy. I'm a first time mom and I didn't even realize for quite awhile that I was having them. Drinking water and changing position always seemed to calm them down. I'm sure you're fine but if you're ever really worried then call your OB. That's what they're there for. Good luck!
I have been getting them all of the time for the last couple of weeks. It can sometimes be hard to count them. I guess I just assume that if I am not in a lot of pain then everything must be okay. (I did get checked out at 29 weeks to make sure that is what they were.) Drinking lots of water and peeing often do seem to help. Feel better, Lisa
I'm just a little bit farther along with you and I do have BH contractions every day, usually if I've been on my feet for awhile, drinking less water, or sometimes just from rolling over in bed. This is my third pregnancy, so I hope I can tell what it's like. The tightness thing is hard to measure with twins, though. It's always tight and crowded down there! When I talked to my doctor last week, she emphasized *timeable* contractions--in other words, if you can't tell when the tightening is starting and stopping, it's probably nothing to worry about. The whole difference between BH contractions and real contractions is that the BH ones aren't doing anything to your cervix--but the only way to tell for sure is to do a cervical check. However, if they're intermittent and go away with putting your feet up, relaxing, and drinking water, they're almost certainly BH. Right now I figure nothing else in life is worth risking PTL, so every time I feel a little odd I sit down and drink a bunch of water. So far, so good. Good luck keeping track of what's going on! It's always a little scary trying to monitor these little guys. B)
Thank you all for your responses! I am feeling so much better today... I just started feeling the babies really kick, my belly is growing exponentially and I'm starting to understand your comments about being uncomfortable (though I still have a long way to go!). All these things in the last few days and I started to panic about how much more difficult this is going to get. Throw in my first experience with BH and that was enough to turn on the tears .
You're doing great!! Just keep yourself well hydrated and make sure you go to the bathroom often, as a full bladder triggers contractions. Get lots of rest when you can. Your body is doing lots of work and your uterus is getting stretched a lot sooner than with a singleton pregnancy. Try to stay as in-tuned to your body as possible. And just like the pp said, call your OB when things don't feel right...that's what they are there for!
I am a little behind you.. almost 21 weeks.. but I have noticed a major increase in the amount of BH's I get now.. usually its in the evenings. For me laying down has really been helping. But its a hard habit to get into.
I am 33 weeks pg w/twins and had this exact feeling most of Friday night. I have had a baby before, and never felt these menstual-like back cramps during labor or w/ bh, so doc said go in to l and d. Turns out I had a bladder infection and this can cause irritable uterus/preterm labor. I had no idea...no stinging during urination or anything. I have a couple of friends who have said they have had the same thing. Just make sure you don't have one! Good luck!
I think BH feel different for everyone. For me, it was a tightening, I had a few in my 2nd tri and the increased in my 3rd tri. If they are BH they will not change your cervix, but they can turn into real contractions, which is why they say to go in if you have more than 4 per hour (at my hospital, for twins). Drink tons of water and go to the bathroom!
