Are these contractions or just Braxton-Hicks??

Need some advise. I'm almost at 39 weeks and for the 2 days, I've been having tightness/pressure in my belly which lasts about 60-75 seconds. At first they were infrequent and then early this morning (5am-8am) they were about 20 minutes apart and then stopped. They started up again around 5pm and have pretty much been every 15-20 minutes lasting 60-75 seconds. For the last 3 that I timed, they were about 9 minutes apart still lasting 60-75 seconds. I will say that I've had excess gas (burping) and the pain is quite high in my belly, not down low. I also have not lost my mucus plug nor was I dilated at all at my appt on Wednesday.

Any ideas? Advise?

Re: Are these contractions or just Braxton-Hicks??

Sounds like braxton hicks with contractions you will definately know but it does sound kind of often so I would call the doc and see what they say since your so far

Re: Are these contractions or just Braxton-Hicks??

Not to scare you but I was in the hospital last week for Braxton Hicks. The symptoms are exactly how you are describing. I was very concerned because I wasn't sure what was happening. They started Tuesday evening off and on but come Thursday night I was getting them often and called my OB. She advised me to go to L&D to get monitored and said if they are 5 minutes apart the hospital would give me medication to make them stop. Luckily they were about 20-30 minutes apart so it wasn't necessary and eventually went away.

The nurse at the hospital told me BH is very common the last 10 weeks of pregnancy and if you do get them, don't be too alarmed as this is a sign your body is getting ready for labor. Definitely time them and if they are close you should contact your OB with no delay.

Just a tip I was told by a nurse, if you do get them lay down, keep your feet elevated and drink plenty of water. It is important you stay hydrated especially if you are getting BH contractions.

HTH

Re: Are these contractions or just Braxton-Hicks??

I didn't realize how far long you were. Possibly an early sign of labor not sure but in your case I would definitely without a doubt call my OB.

Good luck, hope this could be it for you!