Braxton hicks?

[jinis]

Hey lovelies, hope everyone and their little one are doing well.

I'm 17+2 today and I think I have been experiencing what feels like Braxton hicks.

It happens at night & wakes me up with a sensation of muscles around my abdomen & upper thighs tightening - a bit like when you do a really good long stretch in the bed after waking up - really difficult to describe! It's definitely different from the dull period-like ache though.

It's not painful but rather uncomfortable and goes away when I change positions. Probably had it 2-3 times a night the past few nights.

I've read that it's not uncommon to start experiencing Braxton hicks at this stage. I'm trying to be rational and telling myself it's nothing to worry about, but it's making me quite anxious thinking what if this is something else.

I have a midwife's appointment this week so I'm going to bring it up and see what they say...

Has anyone experienced something similar?

[Emilye92x]

Me!! I was having them probably around the same time as you, I thought it felt like I was involuntarily tensing my abs really hard 😂All was fine with us had a lovely pregnancy and have a happy healthy 9 month old! Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy 😊 x

[jinis in reply to Emilye92x]

Hey lovely, thank you for your response. It's given me reassurance. And yes! The sensation is exactly like that! I'm happy to hear your pregnancy was lovely and that your little one arrived safely, and thank you xxx

[Positivechangeplease]

hello, I don’t think it’s braxton hicks. It would be very early to have them and some people never experience them. However what you’re describing if this is your first is a whole host of weird sensations you get when you’re pregnant. Tightening especially suggests that it’s your Wimb growing to accommodate the baby. The skin has to stretch and all the organs have to move around so it’s very likely it’s just that. But always (as you are) check it out with your midwife if you have any worry. But to me it sounds like nothing really to worry about. Have you started sleeping on your side now? You probably should around now. I also got pgp in my second trimester which this sounds like it could possibly be. Mine went away for the third trimester but everyone is different.

[jinis in reply to Positivechangeplease]

Hey lovely, thank you for your reassurance Yes, it's the first time for me and I'm everyday discovering so many things they don't tell you about pregnancy!

I got anxious because I started to feel like my body was doing something wrong to sabotage it, but in fact I do need to trust my body a little bit more that it's doing the right things.

I started sleeping on the side around the start of second trimester - I do wake up on my back though, I think partially because my pelvis hurts when lying on the side 😅 I use a pillow in between my legs which helps, and an extra pillow behind my back to make it at least harder to roll on the back xxx

[Eloquentia]

Hi! That is exactly how I experienced Braxton Hicks too since around the same time in the second trimester throughout the third. Don't worry, when real contractions come - you will know. They are completely different in character. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!

[jinis in reply to Eloquentia]

Hey lovely, thank you for your response. I'm relieved to know that I'm not the only one experiencing it - it's hard to describe to anyone and I was starting to feel quite alone. I'm glad your rainbow arrived safely, and thank you xxx

[Football61]

Hi. I’m 16+6, so a few days behind you. First pregnancy. For the last 10 days, I’ve had a ‘heavy’ feeling in my uterus (on and off) - and my groin feels like it’s pulling downwards. Yesterday, the right-hand side of my groin and my right bum cheek were killing me (sorry, tmi) - I could hardly walk! Luckily, I had a scheduled appointment with my midwife yesterday and she said it’s completely normal. She said it’s just everything moving around in order to accommodate your expanding womb - and some parts must be pressing on my ligaments (which is causing the pain). This might be what you’re experiencing too? Good luck x

[jinis in reply to Football61]

Hey lovely - great to have someone with similar gestational age 🤗 And I'm glad that you got some reassurance from your midwife.

Yes, it probably is just my body adjusting! Hard not to worry about every little aches because we usually associate pain with "bad", but I think I need to shift my mindset, trust my body more & allow it to do what it needs to do. I've been trying but I wobble sometimes.

Thank you - wishing you a smooth pregnancy too xxx