Hi all,
I am 35 weeks pregnant with #2. Very excited to have another on the way, due Feb. 4 (40 weeks). I am still currently working as a school teacher and am hoping to work up to 39 weeks. This may seem crazy, but the longer I work now, I can then take the rest of the school year off to stay home. I REALLY don't want to have to go back to work, so much so that I'm having a lot of anxiety about it.
I have been having Braxton Hicks contractions since the beginning of Dec. At first it was only 3-4 a day, but the last few days I seem to be having a lot more. Not more intense just the number per day has increased. My doctor told me not to be concernced, only be concerned when I notice that I can start counting them and monitoring them at 6-8 min apart. Right now they will stop when I change postions from sitting or standing. Seems to happen when I'm doing either for to long.
Just wondering if I should start thinking of stopping work earlier to rest more? Any one have experience with this and still delivered on time or later? Any ideas of what I can do to NOT go into labor early?
I know that this baby will come when it wants and it truly is out of my control, but if I can help to keep things in until Feb. it would be great.
Thank you so much. I am feeling a lot less anxious and in better spirits. I'm going to keep working until I feel the need to stop. I really feel that this baby is going to wait to greet us until it is full term.
Thanks again.
I, too am a school teacher. Braxton Hicks do not necessarily mean you'll go into labor sooner. I also totally get not wanting to deliver early! I had twins at 38 weeks, and worked up until 36 weeks. I had Braxton Hicks contraction from 30 weeks and on, but never any signs of labor at all. My guess is you'll be fine and that work isn't going to cause you to go into labor early. Good luck!!
The BH does not indicate when you will actually go into labor.
That being said, the typical timing, per when a Doctor will excuse a person from work... is usually at 2 weeks prior to their due date.
Braxton Hicks... will be more noticeable... when over exerting yourself, straining yourself, standing for a long time, when stressed, when not drinking enough water etc. When having the BH, then you should sit down. Stop and rest, DRINK water.
Next, when a woman's belly "drops".... that means that labor is forthcoming... but not IMMEDIATELY. When a baby starts to descend... and your tummy then 'drops'... and seems lower... then, that is the baby getting ready... to come out.
That is more of an indication... than Braxton Hicks.
I had tons of BH with both my kids, while pregnant.
But it did not determine, when I went into labor.
all the best,
Susan
My cousin just had a baby on the 30 of Nov... She had been having braxton hicks contractions since 34 weeks she even had to go to the hospital because they were so intense (it turned out she wasn't drinking enough water) She still had braxton hicks until she was induced at 39 weeks (she was induced because of pre-eclempsia (but that is a whole different thing) I would say that you are probably gonna be able to last at least until 39 weeks (or close to it) It's probably just your body getting ready for the real thing...of course babies like to surprise you so you may deliver earlier, but most likely not:)
i had crazy braxton hicks for months with all 3 babies, but especially with my first. it was feb, i was wearing heavy clothes, and you could see my belly contract into a brick on the right side, through my clothes. and i was teaching at the time :) i had to get up and pace every 10 or 15 min some days. but otherwise ok, ginormous, but ok. ...omg i will never forget being the size of a house, and carrying a bag of lunch and water as big as my belly, and having to cross that horrible parking lot that was a sheet of ice all winter. ... but i digress , haha....anyway, all 3 of my babies were induced, full term. the bh had no effect for me. i was monitored closely, but all was fine. oh, and i had no intention of leaving early either, then one day a month before i was due, i had bad cramps at work and ran to the doc. i was totally fine. but i just knew it was time. so i told him "tell me to stop working" and he said "stop working" and i never went back! and thats my best advice, do what you can but listen to your body. and be flexible. and listen to your body! and drink lots of water. best of luck to you :)
I had hicks like you for 6 months with my 1st child and still had the baby late and had to be induced! 2nd baby only had them 5 months and though late was not induced. With baby 3, 3 month of hicks! They are called false labor for a reason!
I had many strong Braxton Hicks with my 2nd also (now 2 months old). I also had previa so I was very high strung about it. You will be fine. I ended up making it to my 39 week scheduled c-section. Just remember they are completely normal and you will be fine.
you're pregnant, not sick! keep working if you want, unless you've been prescribed bed rest or you're exhausted or stressed out. follow your intuition.
good luck mama!
Drink lots of water, rest/sit when you can. Braxton Hicks don't necessarily mean your baby is coming early. Good luck!
Braxton Hicks can be totally normal. They can also be real contractions depending on your tolerance level. With my first I thought they were just lots of Braxton Hicks and no big deal until my mother (an R.N.) felt them, took me to the hospital and on monitoring they appear full contractions & began dialating.
You will know when they seem to be getting more and more and easier to count, firmer belly etc. Wouldn't hurt to have it checked out to be safe.
I know what you mean...I'm a teacher too and plan to work until the day I deliver. In fact, I did with my first child. I left for a Dr. appt. after school, found out I was 4-5 cm and had my first real contraction on the drive home. I felt completely fine up until the day (I just felt "different".) I also had been having a lot of Braxton Hicks, and I definitely had more of them the more stressed or worried I was. Try not to stress about it--I'm sure that just makes you have more! From what I understand, if they stop when you change positions for drink a large glass of water, they are nothing to worry about. I'm now 27 weeks with #2 and I've had contractions beginning around 10 or 12 weeks--really low contractions. My doctor assured me that they are perfectly normal. Just try to drink lots of water, get plenty of rest and sit down as much as you can during the day (make the K. come to you!). But, listen to your body, if you need to go out early, do what's best for you and your baby. Going back at the end of the year isn't so bad. I went back for the last 4 weeks, and it was nice to know that I had a whole summer off ahead of me. Plus, testing was over and I got to teach the "fun stuff!" Good luck!!
UGH! I am due Feb 1 and had the whole year planned out just like you. I went into labor at 24 weeks and have been off work ever sense. Now I have to go back to school the Monday after Spring Break with the baby only 6 weeks old. Not sure how to keep your little one in except lots of fluids and sit as much as possible while teaching. Hopefully you can do it!
