What do BHC feel like?

I am feeling some cramps kinda like period cramps, every once in a while and im wonder if it is Braxton-Hicks. Is 21weeks to early to feel them? They don't hurt they are just uncomfortable.

TIA

 

I was never any good at differentiating BH with actual contractions. If you are having an actual contraction your stomach will get hard as if you were poking your forehead. I'm sure there are others on here that can be a lot more helpful with that.

I would say that if you are concerned, don't hesitate to call your Dr. That's what they are there for. :hug:

 

Its not too early to feel BHC I believe they can start very early but usually so weak that you don't feel them. They shouldn't get painful this early, what you are describing sounds like them to me.

 

When I felt them, my whole uterus would get rock-hard. At first they kind of snuck up on me, then as I learned what to look for, they became more pronounced, and some even became uncomfortable. I think the period cramping is just the uterus stretching, but I'm not sure. I felt the same thing at that point. As long as it's not painful or happening as often as labor contractions would, I wouldn't worry about it. My OB gave me the 4-1-1 rule (4 minutes or less between contractions that last at least a minute, and contractions like this going on for an hour or more). If that applies, call your OB to get monitored. As for the BH, I started really feeling them at just under 30 weeks.

 

I started having BH contractions very early.... like 14 weeks. Mine didn't really hurt, my belly would just get really hard. I wouldn't get them with any real frequency or pattern, just every once in a while. My doctor said I just had an irritable uterus. They went away around 18 weeks and haven't returned.

 

My BH this pregnancy started around that time, and they feel similar to a period cramp, for me anyway. early in my pregnancy I was allowed 5 an hour. Now Im allowed 3 in a half hour... why she changed it to such an odd amount Im not sure, But I try my best to follow the rules, if I exceed my 3, I call right away. Good luck, and as always if your worried PLEASE dont hesitate to call your DR!

 

I remember getting the good advice to really feel your tummy and get familiar with how it feels from the outside when everything is calm. Then, if you think you're having a BH, feel your tummy. PP's are right, it will feel tight and hard, like there's bone under there. I started getting them at work around 24 weeks when I would do too much. I didn't know what they were, just that my tummy felt tight and hard. Duh!

 

QUOTE(kendraplus2 @ Oct 19 2008, 07:46 PM) [snapback]1032783[/snapback]
I remember getting the good advice to really feel your tummy and get familiar with how it feels from the outside when everything is calm. Then, if you think you're having a BH, feel your tummy. PP's are right, it will feel tight and hard, like there's bone under there. I started getting them at work around 24 weeks when I would do too much. I didn't know what they were, just that my tummy felt tight and hard. Duh!

I have been having contractions with cramps. I was also wondering if anyone has had both as well and any outcome of that. I talked to my perinatiologist and dr and they dont seem to be too worried unless it lasts for an hour. Then I am to call in. I did once and ended up at L and D and no changes in cervix. Now I think I am just overly worried and stopped worrying about the cramps but then the peri said to call if the cramps continue to last an hour. any experiences with cramps?