Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Braxton Hicks? Worried. [Updated]

A couple of nights ago, I noticed, for a moment, a weird painless tightening come over my uterus. At first I thought it was baby girl moving around – maybe backing up to the outside of my belly. When I noticed it again last night, it dawned on me that more likely what I was experiencing was a Braxton Hicks contraction. I have had them a few times since.

I am a little freaked out about this because I am only 25 weeks. I certainly don’t want my body to be having “practice contractions” this early. No thank you. Dr. Google assures me that it is normal to feel Braxton Hicks this early but I’m not convinced. I have already placed a call to my doctor and hopefully she will call me back with some good news sometime this millennium. Even if BH are indeed considered normal this early, I am still a bit nervous about their effect on my already short cervix.

To add to my anxiety, Maya had a really quiet day yesterday. I did feel her a bit, but certainly it was a lot less action than what I had been feeling. Hopefully she’s just turned inward, or maybe she’s just having a growth-spurt day. But either way, I do not like these quiet days one bit. No, not one bit. I did end up using the Doppler last night and thank G-d, her heartbeat was nice and clear and strong in the 140-150 range.

So this is my week so far. Feeling a little on edge. Stress at work is not helping.

Sorry for the malcontented post. *Sigh*

[Update: Okay so I lost patience waiting for my doctor to call so I called the office again. Spoke to the receptionist who said that Dr. R did get my message and does plan to call me at the end of the day when she's through with her patients. However, in the meantime, she told the receptionist to tell me not to worry about the Braxton Hicks unless they become more regular or more intense. (Which they haven't.) If that doesn't happen, all is fine. Yay! And phew!

Also, Maya has been considerably more active today, which has been a huge relief to me. Still not as active as other days she's had (so far) but I'll take it.

So bottom line: I have officially taken a chill pill and gotten over myself.]

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey,

I am 25+ weeks as well and have been getting b-h since 15 weeks. Since then, I have been into the doctor countless times because every few weeks or so I get them super-frequently during the day--like a couple an hour (other than that, I at least get 4-5 each day). I had a cervical length at 3.2 at 14 weeks, just like you, and everything is still fine. B-H really are practice--however, as I'm sure you've read, if they start coming very frequently or become painful, get them checked out. I guarantee you're just fine! Alisha

AwkwardMoments said...

BH are very normal at this stage of hte game. It is practicing but just 1 or 2 at a time. It's when you have more than 4 -6 a hour that you should be concerned about. (according to my books and what the ob told me) i hope your ob calls and gives you some reassurance - stress and low water intake will help bh come on

Martin said...

I'm pretty sure I've been getting them myself, and as you can imagine that's quite an achievement.

You are fine. Relax. Enjoy.

Stay Positive.

Kristen said...

I'm glad everything is okay! My doc told me at my 24 week appointment that I could expect BH. I find it hard to distinguish BH from movement at this point but since it doesn't happen often, I try not to spazz out. Easier said than done! XOXO

RBandRC said...

BH contractions are normal and so is the fluctuation in activity. I think as long as you are feeling her daily, its fine. I know it hard, I freak out too. You're SO not alone! HUGS!

Barb said...

Glad you are feeling better. I would probably be scared too.

christina(apronstrings) said...

it is normal. you need WATER! and rest. some people get BH at 18 weeks-even with their first.
but, honestly, it would freak me out.
but you are okay. maya is ok.

Anonymous said...

I started getting B-H regularly around 20 weeks. Doc thought it was normal. When I exercise intensely, I get them a little too often. Lots and lots of water and making sure my heart rate isn't too high are the answer for me.