Braxton Hicks

For any of you ladies that have had them, how long do they last? I have been having contractions (mild, not painful at all) since about 2:30 yesterday. They started getting steady late last night, and we went to the hospital. Even though they were coming at least every 5 minutes, they were mild and not affecting my cervix, so they sent me home. I passed out last night, but as soon as I woke up (5:45) I have been having them consistently 5 minutes apart again. This is so annoying. Do these sound like BH?

Message edited 5/9/2007 11:38:04 AM.

Re: Braxton Hicks

Not sure what every one else's experience is, but my BH were very irregular. They had no rhythm at all.

Re: Braxton Hicks

Mine are not regular either. That's the one of the main differences between BH/False labor and REAL labor.

I would keep a close watch on it.

Re: Braxton Hicks

Oh right, maybe it is just false labor? Does false labor mean that they are regular?

Re: Braxton Hicks

Re: Braxton Hicks

hmmmm---this is very confusing....could it maybe be the "start" of real labor?

Re: Braxton Hicks

No it doesn't I was having some contractions and was told to look for a pattern, length (30 seconds or so) frequency. I was told BH are irregular and non frequent. If you get them sitting do they go away when you walk? Or when you walk to they go away when you lay down? Drink some fluids see if they get better.

Sounds like you might be having contractions can you call and just talk with your Drs office an see what they say?

Re: Braxton Hicks

My dr office had said before last night, that I should call when they were 5 minutes about, and about a minute long. I went to the hospital, and even though they were 5 minutes apart, my cervix wasnt changing. So I asked the nurse, how would I know. And she said dont pay attention to time, if they are painful to come back in.

I see my dr today, but I was just wondering what you ladies had to say about it!

Re: Braxton Hicks

I get them and they seem to last a "regular" interval AND will come at a regular interval.

Just last night I had 2 that were nearly painful and both lasted a solid minute and came exactly 12 minutes apart. I got restless watching the clock and got up before the next 12 minutes were up...so I assumed it was BH since by moving/changing position they stopped.

Remember, just like REAL labor, it can feel and happen differently for every woman!

Re: Braxton Hicks

MY BH's are very irregular. It only happens when i walk way too much or when i do a lot of housework. If you sit down they should stop then you know they are not BH's. If they are not painful then they are most likely not contractions. You will be able to tell the difference is what my friend told me from real contractions and BH's. The BH's make your stomach feel tight and then it releases. But they do prepare you for the real thing. Your little one is coming soon.

Re: Braxton Hicks

I know this are def contractions because thats what they said at the hospital. I thought that false labor and BH were the same, so maybe I just termed it wrong.

Re: Braxton Hicks

I think these are real contractions.

It can be any time now

Re: Braxton Hicks

Could be false labor...which is basically BH contractions...Real contractions start to get steadily worse...Braxton Hicks, supposedly, lack the strength to really do anything.