Rock hard tummy

[april24april]

I'm 18+2 and for the last few days my stomach has been going rock hard every now and again. It's weird and quite uncomfortable. I thought it may be Braxton Hicks, but isn't it too early for that?

X

 

[nicole_]

mine does when my bladders full or when ive been asleep

 

[micheleh]

I don't think it's too early for BH, but it could be other things too. I know my tummy feels quite hard when my bladder is full too or if bubs decides he wants to press against my belly!

 

[april24april]

Ooh it's really uncomfortable!

 

[nicole_]

i love my rock hard belly, i feel super pregnant and not just squidy and round

 

[Terangela]

That would be BH contractions. They can start as early as 6 weeks, you just usually don't feel them until later.

 

[KandyKinz]

Yep, they are braxton hicks. They occcur right through pregnancy but some women are just more sensitive to feeling them then others. Having a full bladder, physical activity (eg. exercise, walking, orgasm) and being dehydrated (even just very slightly) can trigger BH contractions. Completely normal.

 

[MangoCoconut]

I have been getting this since week 17, I remember BH well! The joys! x

 

[XxGemmaXX]

Sounds like braxton hicks
Been getting Braxton hicks for a week or so. Got them early with DD as well.

Gem x

 

[ummar]

Are you sure it's not just baby taking up different positions? That's definitely what it feels like when my baby moves to the front, left or right.

 

[MangoCoconut]

Typically BH make the whole of your stomach go hard for a few seconds. Baby on one side would make one side squishier than the other iykwim? x

 

[Susanah]

Ive had them since about 17 weeks and went into hosp with them at 18 as they got quite bad and frequent. Have settled now and I get about 5-6 a day. (now 21 weeks).
They can be quite uncomfortable and distressing but everyone is trying to reassure me that its just part of this pregnancy. I didnt have them last time. Usually worse after I have been to the loo or showered or if i get upset/anxious/angry about something.
Baby often kicks quite strongly when they settle...

 

[KandyKinz]

Getting the occasional BH is very very very normal BUT if anyone ever gets worried because of the amount of BH they are having generally the best thing to do is to drink 1 or 2 or 3 glasses of water (cause dehydration can cause them) then lie down in a nice warm bath or in bed (cause too much activity can cause them too... so relax relax relax). If after 30 minutes of doing those things and the BH are becoming obviously more frequent and are becoming even stronger and more uncomfortable then before you should probably call your midwife or head to the hospital.... Alternatively, if they don't get stronger but still remain the same and worrisome after an hour of hydration and rest then you should also contact your midwife or go to the doctor.

And if they become less frequent and less uncomfortable or ofcourse if they go away altogether then you can be reassured that it was just your body's way or telling you to drink more or that you were simply just doing too much... So listen to your body!

And ofcourse if your midwife/doctor has specific recommendations for you listen to those as different women may have differing circumstances in which different management needs are required.

 

[jollymum]

I've just posted a thread asking exactly the same thing!
I only get this when I first wake up which fits with what has been written about dehydration. Thank goodness I'm not the only one! Xxxx

 

[butterfly23]

I used to get this occassionally. I just assumed that my belly was feeling tight from all the stretched skin and that in a day or so it would ease off.