Braxton Hicks & Contractions

ladies, i have done a bit of research and they don't explain how they feel and stuff on a personal level. if you could make me understand this -- you're a miracle worker! TIA!

1) Braxton Hix & Labor Contraction:
How do you differentiate the pain between the two?
what do they feel like?
where do you feel them?

2) why does braxton hicks occur?

3) when did Braxton Hicks start for you? (which week)

Re: Braxton Hicks & Contractions

Well, I can't comment on labor contractions, but I've been having Braxton-Hicks since I started feeling the baby move, at 19 weeks. At first I thought it was the baby and didn't realize that it was a contraction until I was reading about them and then I had one at the docs office while he had his hand on my belly and confirmed I just had one (I was also hooked up to a fetal monitor at the hospital when I was sick and I could see the contractions on the paper when I was having the "tightening"). It feels like a tightening in my belly and I feel it most between my pelvis and belly button. My belly also gets hard for the 20-30 seconds I feel it. They come and go sporadically through the day and do not hurt. I find I get them most often when my bladder is full (because it's irritatingm y uterus) and when I'm starting to get dehydrated. Some women feel them very early on, and others not at all, and others only towards the end. As long as they do not occur on a regular basis and do not get stronger or painful within a limited amount of time, it's just Braxton-Hicks and your uterus is just practicing.

Message edited 1/31/2007 12:37:09 PM.

Re: Braxton Hicks & Contractions

Tightening is the very best way to describe contractions in general. Your belly literally tightens up as if someone is squeezing it...I think [from memory 6 years ago] that one of the main differences, besides pain level/factor, is that you have this insane pressure with the real deal. I simply remember from labor the intense pain from tightening up and the pressure...and the instant the baby pops out, no more pressure!

as for why braxton-hicks occur, the jury is still out. they say it could be your body preparing for the pending labor [which then makes you wonder why some people have them super early and some super late in their pregnancy].

Re: Braxton Hicks & Contractions

Here's my take:

Braxton Hicks feels like an involuntary muscle contration in your belly - like a charley horse, but for me not as painful. Your belly gets tight like a basketball. It can happen for a few minutes & in sucession but will not stay regular and will stop. It can be stopped by drinking water, laying down, etc.

Real labor is a contraction but the pain radiates from your spine, around your side & to your belly. They evenutally become regular. Drinking water, laying down, standing up, etc will not stop them. (although a shower can slow them down).

This is just my opinion & guess on this but Braxton Hicks is your body prepping for labor. I know it can be brought on by dehydration (hence drinking water can stop them). The muscles are reading themselves for a race they're about to run.

Braxton Hicks started in month 7 for me with both pregnancies. During a second pregnancy, you'll often experience more painful & frequent BH (which is why I think 2nd babies have shorter labors).

Re: Braxton Hicks & Contractions

wow, guys! thanks for letting me know of your experience! i have been wondering this for a while and you guys have helped me to understand them and its differences! many thanks!!!!!!!