Contractions at 18 Weeks?

[Anonymous]

Over the last three days I have been experiencing what feels like a braxton hicks contraction. This is my #3. I have felt the baby move for some time now. I feel like this is way too early to have any type of contraction at all. I did call the doctor and they will call me back when they are free, although I know they will just make me schelp into the office tomorrow to be seen. Has anyone else experienced small contractions this early?

[Anonymous]

I did. Twins, though. I ended up on bedrest for a long time and delivered @35 weeks (not bad for twins).

I think you're right to check in w/your doctor. In my case, the doctor told me I should just take it easy. In my heart, I knew I needed to do more and pressed the doctor to be monitored. Turned out I was having a lot more contractions than I was feeling (12 in an hour). I'm not trying to scare you, just listen to your gut instinct.

good luck

[Anonymous]

With my first, I started having Braxton Hicks around 19 weeks. Never had any problems, no pre-term labor, and carried to term. Now I'm 16 weeks pg with #2, and the contractions started just this week. I notice them more if I haven't been drinking enough water, or I'm laying flat on my back (which I know I shouldn't be doing). Usually if I switch positions, they stop. I'm not concerned at all, in fact saw my OB on Friday and didn't even mention it. As long as the contractions are not regular and you don't have more than 4 an hour, I don't think there's anything to worry about... But of course if you are concerned, by all means go see your doc.

[Anonymous]

I had Braxton Hicks early like you (starting around 18-20 weeks). It usually happened when I was stressed at work, running around too much without taking it easy or eating right. More noticeable at the end of the day / evening. My stomach would get hard as a rock, and it would be uncomfortable. I didn't think much about it and continued along at 100 MPH. Then, I started having preterm labor at 28 weeks and had to go on bedrest. So, my advice is to trust your instincts and take it easier than you have been.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the replies. Of course I am going in tomorrow. I cannot remember such a strong contracting feeling this early. I also didn't feel the babies move this early the last time.

[Anonymous]

The only other really weird thing is that today all the kicks I have gotten have been those annoying cervix kicks. I swear I didnt feel those this early last time. We'll see tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

15:20 PP here.... Op, I hope all goes well at the dr. today. Seeing the other PP's replies have me a bit concerned now, maybe I've been dismissing these contractions as nothing too quickly. Do you mind sharing what your dr. says, if there is a reason to be concerned?

[Anonymous]

I had Braxton-Hicks starting around 18-20 weeks with #2. My dr told me if I started feeling contractions, to rest and drink water, but they weren't a problem unless I had 5 in an hour. I was convinced I would go into labor early, but sure enough, I ended up carrying to term. Also, I only felt cervix kicks too towards the later part of my pregnancy. The baby was breech, so his feet were at my cervix. I wouldn't worry about the baby being breech at 18 weeks though, there's still plenty of time for the baby to turn.