question about bh contractions Posted: 03-10-06 19:45pm
I have another question about bh
contractions...Sorry. Anyways, I think
i'm haveing them but I can't tell if thats
what it is, or if its the baby turning??
Does everything tighten up, or just part
of your stomach? And can it feel like
pulling in your chest(like muscle
tightening)? The reason I ask is cause my
baby when he turns and stuff I feel this
wierd pulling and tightening, but usually
only on 1 side, and I wasn't sure if its
just my skin tightening from that?? Ya
know? I'm sorry for being so darn
confused and I know thats its different
for everyone, I just would like the
general "gist" of things !! Thank you
again
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teach486
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Aug 2005 Posts: 276 Location: US
Posted: 03-10-06 21:14pm
Braxton hicks contractions
during the second and third trimesters of
pregnancy, you may notice episodes when
your belly tightens and becomes firm to
the touch, then relaxes. These are
episodes of tightening (contraction) of
the uterine muscles called braxton hicks
contractions. These normal contractions
may be hardly noticeable or may be strong
enough to make you stop what you are
doing.
Considered "warm-up" exercises for the
uterus, braxton hicks contractions can
begin as early as the 20th week of
pregnancy, although most often they start
between the 28th and 30th week.
Braxton hicks contractions are usually
infrequent in midpregnancy. However, they
can be more frequent during the ninth
month, sometimes occurring as often as
every 10 to 20 minutes.1 braxton hicks
contractions usually occur less than 4 to
6 times per hour.
Braxton hicks contractions:
usually disappear during exercise or
activity (unlike true labor pains, which
continue or increase if you move
around).
Are more noticeable during rest.
It may be difficult to tell the difference
between braxton hicks contractions and
true labor. If there is any doubt,
consult your health professional.
References
citations
cunningham fg, et al. (2001). Maternal
adaptations to pregnancy. In williams
obstetrics, 21st ed., pp. 167?200. New
york: mcgraw-hill.
