Real contractions or Braxton Hicks?

Just thought I would start a new thread since it was brought up already. I forget to look on the threads where the topic changes. I am also having contractions quite frequently at night. In the last couple of weeks they are lasting longer and there is more tightening. I can have up to 8 or 10 an hour in the evenings but they are always gone by morning. I am not worried I am in labor, but wondering if is because the baby is not happy or uncomfortable. Last night his little head was poking out of my belly with the contractions. It was funny! It was great to feel the bump and rub it. Or maybe it was his butt?

I'm assuming we are still having Braxton Hicks, but that is just a guess. I have at least 2 an hour all day long, they aren't painful, just a major tightening of the uterus. I hope they aren't real...yikes!

Stacey

Honestly, I *hate* the term Braxton Hicks. A contraction is a contraction. They all do something. The only way you'll know if it is labor or not is if they stop.

Each and every practice contraction is helping your uterus to prepare itself for the big day. A "real" conctraction will cause dialation or effacement.

If you are concerned, drink TONS of water (atleast 2 cups/hr) and relax as much as you can. Anything more than that and I'd see your provider as it the contractions may be brought on by something more than stress, fatigue or dehydration. It could be an infection of some sort.

HTH

For those of you who have had more than one pregnancy do you notice more contractions earlier on? This is my second and I didn't have them this early with the first.

I just want to mention that I was hospitalized with contractions 2 minutes apart this past weekend...and I had asked people how will I know when they are real contractions- and everyone has the same stupid answer..OH, you will know. You might not know. Mine dont hurt at all- the only way I can tell I am having them is if I put my hand on my stomach and feel it get hard. If i am just laying around or doing something- I have NO idea this is happening to me.

I know people who were in labor and never knew it. My chiropractors wife delivered at home 15 min after the first contraction. I get contractions throughout the day and a few at night. If your getting them do like op said.. drink drink drink and relax, try laying on your left side, take a shower and make sure you have an empty bladder.

And with most people.. you will know when its for real. But it doesnt hurt to go get checked out.. so be careful.. most of us are getting close to the end and can deliver at any time. Hopefully the majority of us make it full term.

For those of you who have had more than one pregnancy do you notice more contractions earlier on? This is my second and I didn't have them this early with the first.

Shannon--this is my fourth and I'm definitely noticing them more than I have with my previous pregnancies! I really don't remember having this many so early on--I started having them between the 4th/5th months.

I don't want to go into labor, I'm having a repeat (3rd time) c/s....so I hope they stay like they are!

Stacey