Braxton Hicks or contractions?

Question

What's the difference between the two?

I'm FTM, 18w3d. Having some cramping and spotting (with uterus tightening) but doc says it's ok - that contraction pain would be severely painful. They said I shouldn't be concerned unless I'm filling a pad in an hour.

Answer

Braxton hicks are practice contractions, they usually feel like cramps. If you drink water, get plenty of rest, take Tylenol and maybe a warm shower they will go away. They are inconsistent and usually dont get stronger. A real contraction is consistent and changing positions, rest and Tylenol will not make them ease up and they keep getting worse (to the point you can hardly stand it) spotting sometimes comes and goes during the pregnancy you only need to really worry if it is soaking pads.

Answer

I'm 24 weeks and get Braxton hicks regularly. Mine just feel like tightening, no cramps yet.

Answer

I'm still having occasional cramping but I noticed a new symptom with it - I sometimes get a hard lump popping up out of my abdomen. The location changes, and it'll go down if I put pressure on it. At my appt yesterday the doctor said it could be the baby. I didn't think at 19w he'd be strong enough to push against me to be that painful!! Anyone else ever confused cramps for baby movement?

Ligament pain wouldn't cause hard spots on the uterus, right??

Answer

I'm 19 weeks and a similar thing happened to me at 17 weeks. I called my doc the next day and they rushed me in, I had blood in my Urine and they thought I had a UTI and gave me an RX. Turned out I didn't but I have been drinking way more water since then and I haven't had another issue

Answer

I have Braxton hicks. Im a FTM mom as well. I don't spot with mine.

Braxton Hicks or contractions?

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