Early/False labor OR Movement of increasingly large baby????

[Anonymous]

So I'm sitting here at 34 weeks and at times my uterus feels really tight, which makes me think either braxton hicks or real contraction. It takes my breath away and is uncomfortable, and it happens more than once in an hour. But sometimes it's preceded by the baby doing a stretching movement that seems to stretch my uterus to its maximum capacity. And maybe the hard uncomfortable uterus I'm feeling is just what it feels like when the baby decides to wriggle into a stretched out position? Anyone have trouble distinguishing between forceful movements and contractions/braxton hicks??? Is there a golden rule for distinguishing?

[Anonymous]

I don't know the answer, but I hope someone else can tell you, because I'm going through THE EXACT SAME THING!!!! I'm 33 1/2 weeks with my second and with my first, I don't remember any Braxton-Hicks at all, and then was induced for medical complications. A week ago I was up all night and finally called the midwife in the middle of the night. I feel like a total idiot but I can't tell if I'm having contractions or not! I can't tell if it's just the baby's movement or if it's hard all over. Mine aren't painful at all, just barely noticeable unless I put my hand on my belly. I really want to get checked at my 34 week appointment next week to make sure I'm not dilating at all. So good luck to you--I'm just as confused as you are!!!

[Anonymous]

Generally, if your uterus feels tight/hard, that is a contraction (braxton hicks or regular). I had no idea what it was when I was feeling them in my 27th week. As it turns out, I was having contractions 5 minutes apart and ended up on medication until my 36th week (DS was born at 37 weeks and is now 7 months old). If you are having more than 4 an hour, you should definitely call your doctor. FWIW, when I finally went into labor for real, after 10 weeks of approx. 4 contractions per hour for 10 hours a day, I knew the difference. That said, please trust your instincts. If you are feeling something new or strange, even if you can't quite articulate what it is, have it checked out. I debated for an hour and a half before I went to the hospital in my 27th week and even then I was sure it was nothing. I'm really glad that I trusted my gut. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I'm confused too! Two nights ago, I woke up at 3:30 am because my uterus was soooo hard and the pain was very bad. After drinking two glasses of water and trying to sleep, I was feeling OK.

[Anonymous]

My contractions felt at first like the baby was moving her head hard against my pelvis. I didn't even realize that they were contractions, I was expecting the crampy feeling that women usually say their contractions feel like. I never had any BH contractions, so I can't compare. I agree with the PP though, if you're experiencing anything unusual or worrysome, it's always better to have it checked out. Better safe than sorry, especially during pregnancy. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I felt the same tightening/movement from about 36 weeks on, but when the real contractions hit, there was no mistaking it. My back hurt so badly, and I was screaming out with pain. I couldn't even walk without help (then again my water broke and then the contractions hit, so maybe it's different with each person).

[Anonymous]

OP here - My dr. checked my cervix and it's still closed. Based on that, he's not worried and suggested that my best bet was to be on the look out for any pattern to the contractions or whatever it is I think I'm feeling. If it starts happening at regular intervals, then I need to get checked out.

[Anonymous]

Glad to hear it! Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly!

-Confused mom #2