Tight tummy-possible contractions???

[leighanntx1]

I just love to rub on my belly but sometimes it is hard as a rock. I do not neccessarily feel anything but it is certainly different. Is this early contractions or something for which I should be worried? I see my doc next Monday and do not want to bug the nurse if it is totally normal.

Can you tell this is my first?

 

[kristi]

Mine gets the same way. I always thought it was Braxton Hicks. Hopefully someone here can either confirm or deny this.

 

[FiddleFit]

That's exactly how I've heard BH contractions described in my pregnancy books. Stomach gets tight, but is often painless. Usually nothing to worry about unless they are frequent and regular. Apparently staying very well hydrated can keep them at bay.

We're all like this with our first, second, or even more. Don't be embarrassed about asking anything here. Someone has usually "been there; done that".

Cheers,
Sandra

 

[JulieL]

Yes that is a contraction. If you notice them, drink water LOTS, lay on your left side, and wait for 30 min or less for them to stop. If you have 4-6 in an hour then you need to contact your doctor and see if you should go to L&D. I've in the last week become the queen of contractions. Unfortunately mine never go away with rest and water. But most pg women never deal with what my problem is, and the water and laying down does the trick. Welcome to the third trimester!

 

[leighanntx1]

Thanks, Julie. I know you had been dealing with this lately but was not sure it was the same since I do not feel anything, I only notice it if I happen to feel my tummy. I guess I should start writing down when I feel it and will call the doc if I notice too many.

Not sure my office will be ok with my lying down on the job but oh well-if they don't I just might leave earlier and they are not at all ready for that yet!

Thanks to you all-I am feeling better now and will pay more attention to them for sure and will not feel stupid calling the nurse if need be!

 

[GraceNote]

Sounds like Braxton-Hick's - here's a link, plus the info:

http://www.allaboutmoms.com/bh.htm

" Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Episodes of tightening (contraction) of the uterine muscles are called Braxton-Hicks contractions. Although Braxton-Hicks contractions happen from very early in pregnancy, most women do not really notice them until the second half of pregnancy. Braxton-Hicks contractions are thought to play a part in toning the uterine muscle and promoting the flow of blood to the placenta. Some people call them practice contractions.

Braxton-Hicks contractions tend to be started off by either you or the baby moving, or by somebody touching your abdomen. Each Braxton-Hicks contraction may last 1-2 minutes. During this time, the whole uterus becomes hard. This may feel strange and rather uncomfortable. Braxton-Hicks contractions will not do three things and that is get longer in duration, closer together and last for a longer time period. Real labor will have contractions that are progressive and unable to be halted. Braxton-Hicks contractions may come and go. They may persist for hours on end and then cease to exist at all. Braxton Hicks contractions are not productive enough to promote the birth of the your baby. Braxton Hicks contractions usually are irregular in pattern and go away if you change your activity or drink water.

Braxton Hicks contractions can truly be as painful as real labor and make it even harder to distinguish the difference between the two. Again, the approach of determining if they are getting longer, stronger or closer together is the key. Real labor will persist and will not be persuaded to go away. However, if you are in doubt, contact your health care provider. "


Another one, if you want to check it out:

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/childbirth/156.html

HTH! It's kind of weird to feel it happening and see your belly all tight, but I try to think of it as ab work without the effort! Gotta get those muscles ready for the big day!

 

[Fit_mommy]

Sounds like BH to me too and usually they are nothing to worry about. I had them often in the last few months and all was fine. Hopefully the same will hold true for you too!

They can be uncomfortable...I remember everything getting so tight that my already weak bladder REALLY felt like it was going to EXPLODE when I'd get a BH! :+

Gosh, how I sometimes miss being pregnant! ;( Well, not everything...just certain things...BH's NOT being one of those things!

 

[emy]

That is what I experienced the evening before I had my baby. No gradual lead up in contractions, just a "tight" feeling uterus for a while. Then I decided to go for a vigorous walk (since I was 2 days overdue) and that sent me way into labor and I gave birth 4 hours later. But, since this is too early for you, I'm sure they are just Braxton Hicks, which I never detected during my pregnancy.