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You should call your doctor, but personally if they were super frequent (5+ an hour) then I would slow down and relax until they went away and then make sure you're doing less all at once and taking more frequent breaks.

I had bad braxton hicks with my first from about 25 weeks on. They were worse when I did any kind of physical activity. Pretty sure they're harmless, but doesn't hurt to ask your doctor!

It's frustrating to not be able to do everything we normall would! I'd just try to break up the work more and that should help!

I had these a ton over Christmas break as I was trying to be super productive. Dr said I needed to chill out if I have more than 4 an hour (as @Truth Bombs: ) said or if they last for more than a couple hours.

If you aren't already make sure to wear some full panel maternity pants or a bang to support your belly. My Dr said that the muscles straining to support the weight can cause them when there is no harm.

FWIW - I told her I had probably had a handful for a couple of hours each day of christmas break so it made her check me to make sure I had not caused any real progress...I was 32w.

Mine started at 10 weeks, and were always super frequent. I was told to drink lots of water and get off my feet if they got too bad, but mostly don't worry about it. But I had LO at 33w. So I don't really trust "don't worry about it" anymore. I would err on the side of caution, even when it's inconvenient.

Oh man. Glad I am reading these responses. I usually have Braxton hicks for about an hour straight every night (not the typical come and go contractions most people describe), and my doctor said it was no big deal and didn't mention taking it easy during it. I will def start taking it easy now tho!

I'd double check with your doctor, but personally, I think it varies from person to person. I had frequent, strong Braxton hicks from about 28 weeks on. Often 7 or 8 in an hour. My midwife never worried, and neither did I.

@Cherrybee: they are usually when I am moving around a lot trying to get all my nightly "chores" done. (Cooking, washing hair for work, taking care of pets, cleaning up kitchen, etc.) So, no certain time per se, but always during those activities. I drink a TON of water already, so the only thing that really makes it go away is just sitting down. I was convinced it wasn't actually BH bc they aren't the come and go feeling, but my doctor said that's what it was and I guess they know best. I hope all these BH mean my uterus is ready go on time

ETA: my doctor also kind of insinuated that they probably were the come and go feeling, but since I'm a FTM I don't know what I'm feeling? Idk he isn't my regular dr since the practice makes me rotate through.