What Do Braxton Hicks Feel Like?

When a woman finds herself pregnant, it's not unusual for her to start wondering what do Braxton Hicks feel like? It's true, she may be worried about what's to come regarding labor, especially if it's her first. She's heard many different types of birthing and contraction stories from a variety of women who already have children. Here are some things to consider when wondering what's going on with your wife or girlfriend's body.

Any woman who has had any type of muscle cramp has some insight and understanding of what do Braxton Hicks feel like. On the same note, they may present differently with each pregnancy and each woman, leaving mothers to wonder what does Braxton Hicks feel like? First of all, it's important to understand that these contractions are not labor contractions. One major difference is that they aren't going to come on a schedule that continues to get closer together or stronger in feeling. When asked what does Braxton Hicks feel like, most women will respond with a tightening of the stomach, pressure in their pelvis or cramps very similar to menstrual cramps. Women often think that these contractions only come near the end of the pregnancy, when in truth they can be at any time. Usually in the first two trimesters, women won't feel anything at all when having Braxton Hicks. In the third trimester they can be stronger and sometimes uncomfortable to the point that some would describe as painful.

Knowing what Braxton Hicks feels like can put a person's mind at ease when they are approaching the end of their pregnancy. If a woman is experiencing contractions, they should try drinking a small glass of water and lying down, preferably on their left side. If they're getting the feeling when they are already lying down, they may wish to have a drink and then walk around a little bit. True contractions will not stop no matter what a woman does, short of delivering her baby. If a woman is under 37 weeks pregnant and finds herself questioning what does Braxton Hicks feel like or if they're having real contractions, they shouldn't hesitate to call their doctor. After 37 weeks it's safe to go into labor, unless a doctor has specified different.

Sometimes women will describe the feeling as a sharp, shooting pain that comes and goes. If this happens often or if it happens while urinating, it can be a sign of an infection and should be brought to the doctor's attention. Another important reason to call the doctor is if a woman sees blood or spotting in her panties. These can be signs of true labor and shouldn't go unattended. Having a clear understanding of what do Braxton Hicks feel like can help a woman feel less worried when she starts experiencing contractions of any sort. Being able to have a checklist of what they may or may not feel like and when it's best to contact the doctor can make a mommy-to-be feel much better.