Can someone tell me if this is what Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?

A couple of times I had felt like my stomach got tight, but this was a weird, new sensation for me (also this is my first pregnancy ever)... I leaned over on Saturday, and it felt like my whole lower stomach tightened, then it felt like someone squeezed and released my lower stomach (about 15-20 seconds)... I don't know what is 'strong' and what isn't, never having had any sort of contraction before, but it made me gasp...

Is this what a Braxton Hicks feels like? It didn't hurt...?

Thanks ladies!

 

Sounds like it. The further along you get, it is especially common to get them when getting up or shifting positions. They usually aren't painful.

 

That's exactly how mine felt. They'll most likely become more frequent the further along you get.

 

Yup, thats how mine felt as well. I would especially get them if I was walking around for too long or exerting myself too much. My whole tummy would get really hard/tight feeling.

 

Yes, those are contractions. BH ones are usually the painless ones, but many women have had painless contractions that are actually the real deal, so talk to your doctor and make sure the contractions aren't causing any cervix changes. The BHs don't cause your cervix to prepare for birth but the real ones do. I had ctx starting at 25 weeks and when I had more than 6 in an hour I was told to come to L and D but it's different with every person/doctor, so check with your OB. Not to freak you out, it's totally normal to get them earlier when carrying twins, but it's always better to be safe! Take care

 

A wise L&D nurse explained to me how to tell if you are having a contraction: take your index finger & push it into your cheek. If your belly feels like that- no contraction. Take your finger & press it to your forehead; if it feels like that you're having a contraction.
I could never feel mine & used this technique throughout my twin pregnancy. I battled PTL from 23W until delivery at 36W5D.
Good luck,

 

QUOTE(nanhancan @ Jul 7 2008, 07:43 PM) [snapback]864641[/snapback]
A wise L&D nurse explained to me how to tell if you are having a contraction: take your index finger & push it into your cheek. If your belly feels like that- no contraction. Take your finger & press it to your forehead; if it feels like that you're having a contraction.
I could never feel mine & used this technique throughout my twin pregnancy. I battled PTL from 23W until delivery at 36W5D.
Good luck,



Hi Claire,

How did they diagnose/suspect the PTL? Did you have to be on bedrest?

 

I was never good at distinguishing BH contractions vs. real contractions, but thats probably because my real contractions started at 24 weeks. If you are concerned I would call your Dr. I am a strong believer that it is better to be safe than sorry. When I went into the hospital with PTL (unbenonced to me at the time) I didn't even know I was having contractions until they put me on the monitor. I just didn't feel "right", my gut told me to call my DR and I am so glad that I did. GL!! Just follow your intuitions.

 

Hi,
When I went to the specialist's at 23w, he said that my cervix was on the shorter side. He then put me on pelvic & modified rest. At 27W, I was in the normal range - so, he took me off my modified bedrest. 3 days later I was admitted to the hospital for PTL- cervix change & a contraction every 2 minutes! I was hospitalized again at 32W. Just trust your instincts. If you think something is off, call or go to L&D. We went 7 times before the babies were born!
Good luck,