Are braxton hicks painful?

[Ju_bubbs]

I know this is my 4th baby, but I never had contractions of any kind until I was in labour before!

The last 3-4 days, I have been getting loads of tightenings right across my lower abdomen, accompanied by what I can only describe as a bad period cramp. I'm assuming they're BH, but didn't think they 'hurt'?

 

[austinsmom]

I've had braxton hicks since 8 weeks (with my son, they started at 5 months).
But, no, they aren't painful. Just a tighening sensation.

My MW told me if I had more than 6 an hour, or if they became regular, to go to L&D.

Cramping, is different then a BH. The cramping could be ligament pains, in that case, make sure you're well hydrated (if the uterus, which is a muscle, becomes dehydrated, it will cramp up)

I'm sure you can have cramps and BH at the same time though.

I would give your mw/dr a call, just to be on the safe side. You could also take some tylenol for your discomfort. Just make sure you're drinking plenty of water.

 

[Ju_bubbs]

Thanks, maybe I should drink more.. I dont dink an awful lot coz I hate water, and am usually a coke drinker!

I've always dreading needing to call on my midwife for something, ans the only numbers we get given in my area are an answer machine for appts, and the emergency midwife, and its not really an emergency, so I never know what to do!!

It's not really 6 an hour... or all day long, just for an hour or 2 a day kinda every 20-30 mins or so. When I say painful, I dont mean bad enough to make me say 'ow' or stop what im doing or anything..

 

[LoolaBear]

for some BH can be painful but for most just a sensation or very uncomfortable.
you can have cramps and BH together as well. but i would drink plenty of water or as much as you can as this can help ease the uncomfortableness and also stop cramps occuring whilst having BH.
my cousins wife had BH more painful than some of her actual contractions! she only started feeling her contractions when it came close to pushing and then pushing. xx

 

[austinsmom]

Thanks, maybe I should drink more.. I dont dink an awful lot coz I hate water, and am usually a coke drinker!

I've always dreading needing to call on my midwife for something, ans the only numbers we get given in my area are an answer machine for appts, and the emergency midwife, and its not really an emergency, so I never know what to do!!

It's not really 6 an hour... or all day long, just for an hour or 2 a day kinda every 20-30 mins or so. When I say painful, I dont mean bad enough to make me say 'ow' or stop what im doing or anything..

Another thing that helps with BH, is changing position. If you're sitting, stand up. If you're standing, sit down. Just little tricks like that can minimize your discomfort. Ehhh, and you'll know if something's wrong with your body, ya know? I don't drink alot of water myself I'm a coke drinker as well, lol. I'm sure your fine hun, just don't hesitate to 'bother' your midwife if you have any unanswered questions.