https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:55:49 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-2171038 Thu, 07 May 2015 15:29:07 +0000 Torchwood 2171038@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Same as @SeptMomma12: @fuzzypeaches. I've been told I have an irritable uterus, so I get them far more frequently than the typical 4-6 an hour. They actually started around 10 weeks this time (though I probably wouldn't have noticed if it had been my first pregnancy). For me I was told the usual hydrate and get off my feet, but mostly to watch for anything that's different from MY normal, and to watch for labor signs (loss of mucous plug, etc). I've had them get down to 2 minutes apart, but they always spaced back out eventually, so I never went to L&amp;D to get checked out or anything. I'm just hoping it makes for a shorter labor in the end! (Which my past experience suggests might be the case for me. *fingers crossed*)</p> <p>That being said, I think if anyone ever has any doubt they should talk to their doctor/midwife. One of the bees on my due date board thought she was just having BH's, and now she's on bed rest because it turns out they were actually affecting her cervix. So what's normal for me might be very not normal for you. (And while I've never been sent for an ultrasound or had a pelvic exam specifically to check my cervix, both of my recent pregnancies have had issues that required frequent ultrasounds, so they were/are watching it already.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-2171019 Thu, 07 May 2015 15:20:36 +0000 .twist. 2171019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BabyBoecksMom: Yes me too! Although, it made knowing I was actually in labour difficult because I was so used to them. I was in labour for a few days before I even knew it was REAL labour and not BH. Fun times! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-2170996 Thu, 07 May 2015 15:14:45 +0000 SeptMomma12 2170996@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@fuzzypeaches: Yup, that's the same term they've used with me. Lucky us :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-2170985 Thu, 07 May 2015 15:11:29 +0000 fuzzypeaches 2170985@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SeptMomma12: Me too! With my first it started around 20weeks and this time I had them even earlier. I get them very often at a frequency of &gt;4/hr, so I just monitor them and try and relax. My Dr. just thinks my uterus is "irritable." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-2170908 Thu, 07 May 2015 14:43:22 +0000 SeptMomma12 2170908@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I get BH near constantly. Started at 20 weeks with my first and 14 weeks with my second (still going at 38 weeks). My doctor told me that some people are just "contractors" and for me, I should just pay attention to see if there's a pattern. Like every 6 minutes or something - basically if it gets to the point I can predict one is going to come. Because if I called every time I had 6 in an hour, or something like that, I would have spent my entire pregnancies in the hospital! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-2170905 Thu, 07 May 2015 14:42:47 +0000 creativemomma15 2170905@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think my Dr said if I had 4-6 in an hour and they didn't stop with rest and water that I needed to call them. I worried a lot with my second pregnancy because LO1 was 4 weeks early. They almost always stopped once I laid down and drank some water. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-2170766 Thu, 07 May 2015 13:44:50 +0000 LindsayInNY 2170766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bumping! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-98664 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:32:24 +0000 betsyboop 98664@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had them consistently every night at around 25 weeks and it freaked me out, but haven't had any since then. I was talking to a friend of mine who is pregnant with her 3rd, and she said her doctor told her BH often happens when the baby is going through a growth spurt. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-98659 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:28:03 +0000 skibobrown 98659@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: I hope your test comes back negative! I went through periods where I was having them every 20 minutes or so, but never regularly spaced at 15 minutes or less. Now that I'm full term I get really excited when my BH contractions get stronger. Sometimes they feel crampy and they can really take my breath away... but nothing is occurring at regular intervals yet, so I need to just calm down and wait for labor to start. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-98585 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:57:03 +0000 tequiero21 98585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: wow, you're good! i haven't exercised at all, which is why i think my body reacted that way. especially since i'm getting closer. maybe during the 3rd trimester, things just get more sensitive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-98579 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:46:19 +0000 winniebee 98579@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tequiero21: Well the OB said she thinks I'm exercising too much. Last night after work I went for a 35 minute walk - it was warm, out not hot though. And I went slow! I mean, many women run through the end of their pregnancies, and I'm not THAT pregnant yet (30.5 wks). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-98576 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:41:25 +0000 tequiero21 98576@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: just an fyi, that day i had the major bh, i did a lot of walking from the free parking lot to my doctor's appointment hehe. got chastised by hubby and doctor. so now i valet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-98567 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:32:03 +0000 winniebee 98567@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tequiero21: @bpcmarj: thanks!</p> <p>Well, this afternoon I had BH constantly for 2 hours. My OB's rule is if I have them every 15 mins for 2 hours (and am resting and drinking water, call). Well, I had them every 7-15 minutes for 2 hours so called. Had to go in to office - did cervical check and cervix is still long and closed. Then NST, which seemed fine. I only had one contraction while on the monitor though. And, one before and one after. The nurse confirmed that I'm feeling BH so at least I know I'm not crazy. Now I am waiting for results of a fetal fibronectin test and my need to go to the hospital if it's positive. All a big headache and not sure what any of it really means. The OB seems to think the contractions are activity-related, but I don't think so. Also, I drink over 100 oz of water a day, and that's just water! Since leaving OB office, I have continued to have them for every 15 mins. Am now on the couch hoping they will subside.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-98486 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:34:09 +0000 bpcmarj 98486@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I actually had to call my midwife this week because I seemed to be having way more than normal. They were only on my right side or way at the top of my uterus, but I had noticed them for two days in a row, so she told me that there might be something irritating my uterus or it could just be the babies position. I am certainly drinking enough water at a gallon+ a day!</p> <p>Needless to say, I went home from work as early as I could and spend the rest of the day laying on the couch, on all fours, kneeling, standing, and trying to do anything to get her move a little. No luck really, but I don't seem to have as many today. I assume though, that at 35 weeks, they are to be expected. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-98482 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:29:39 +0000 tequiero21 98482@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>at 37 weeks, i'm definitely getting more bh. there was 1 day when over the span of 2 hours, i had like 10 bh, so i called the doctor the next day (cuz i had them at like 10 at night). she told me to come in right away and they monitored me for an hour. i had no cotnractions while they were monitoring me. she said if i get 6 or more within an hour, to just call the office. she said if i get some, empty my bladder and drink lots of water. change positions.</p> <p>after that one night, haven't had that many bhs again. but now, i get it in the morning and it wakes me up. it maybe the position i'm sleeping in on the recliner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-98250 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:33:55 +0000 winniebee 98250@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone else have lots of BH contractions? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-85633 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:18:45 +0000 pastemoo 85633@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: Thanks for the update! Hope you're OK! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-85626 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:05:56 +0000 winniebee 85626@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BabyBoecksMom: No worries, I plan to get an epidural as soon as they will give me one : ) I get the BH even when I'm relaxing on the couch and also when I'm doing activity. Oh well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-85625 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:59:22 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 85625@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: I do remember that any time I did ANYTHING to use my core, I would get one (standing up, bending over, doing laundry....). And as time went on, they would happen for no particular reason. </p> <p>When I went into labor, the contractions weren't really bad until my water broke, and then they got bad quick. I was only dialated to 2 cm and had to get the epidural... but I don't think I have a very high pain tolerance, so I'm not sure if I"m the best one to compare to :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-85623 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:54:56 +0000 winniebee 85623@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BabyBoecksMom: Good to know! They are sometimes uncomfortable - like if I've been sitting at my desk for awhile and get up to pee, I immediately get one and it's a little uncomfortable walking to the bathroom (with a full bladder no less). Did you find your labor contractions were bad (or worse than what you thought they'd be?) I'm hoping this isn't a sign I have a sensitive uterus! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-85619 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:47:13 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 85619@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: I had BH A LOT during my pregnancy, starting from early in the 2nd trimester. I would have 6-8 per hour and it wasn't due to me overdoing it or not drinking enough water. My doctor said I was just one of those lucky few that had a lot of them for no real reason. </p> <p>I ended up getting used to it after a while and, although they were annoying, the baby was just fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-85617 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:41:15 +0000 winniebee 85617@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So here's an update on what my OB said - </p> <p>1. the GI issues I had earlier this week are likely causing increased BH contractions (both because of stomach/uterine irritability and getting behind on fluids).</p> <p>2. the area that I'm having BH (upper uterus/belly button area) is normal for where I am in pregnancy.</p> <p>3. if I feel them 4x or more an hour (ie, every 15 mins) and they do not resolve with rest/drinking 2 full glasses of water, then call my OB.</p> <p>4. if I have gush of clear fluid or any bloody mucus, call ASAP.</p> <p>She just said for me to monitor and to call if #3 or 4 happens. She seemed to think what is happening is pretty normal given my stage in pregnancy and my GI issues this week. Even though I'm very good about fluids (my water intake is very high) she thinks I got down on fluids (makes sense) and never got caught up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-85516 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:08:27 +0000 pastemoo 85516@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ditto on the water thing. </p> <p>After trauma, the L&amp;D told me if I had more than 4 in an hour I needed to go back to the doctor. I don't know if that's too many if you haven't had trauma. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-85106 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:42:09 +0000 birdieputt 85106@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i've been having similar BH contractions in my abdomen - particularly at night. some of the BH contractions are so tight that they take my breathe away. i used to track how many i had every hour (if i had 5 or more in an hour, i'd freak out and drink a ton of water and lie down)... but i don't do that anymore. ...my OB says my cervix is still closed so whatever contractions or pains i've been having up until now are fine - they are not true labor contractions. obviously if the pain becomes more regular or intense and starts spreading to your back etc, then definitely consult your doctor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-84960 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:23:25 +0000 yoursilverlining 84960@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My OB said to call her if after drinking a glass of water and laying down for an hour I still had more than 4 BH contractions an hour. She also said to call if they became more painful, or more like period cramps or were located very low. Hope this helps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-braxton-hicks-too-many#post-84946 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:13:47 +0000 winniebee 84946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know we are not doctors and I know I should call my OB (I have, but haven't spoken with her, yet)...</p> <p>But, how many Braxton Hicks contractions are too many? </p> <p>I am 27 weeks, 4 days and for the past week plus have been having them every day, more frequently at night. I started paying closer attention to their frequency the past few days, and I have them multiple times an hour in the evening...even up to 4x an hour (even when lying down or resting). They are not painful at all - it's just that my stomach/uterus clenches and gets hard for about 10-20 seconds then releases. </p>