[Soape]

The last three days I've been having the hardening feeling in my lower abdomen/pelvic region, it's not painful just uncomfortable. I've been sick with a cold and not hydrating as well as I usually do. I called the Dr today because they are still coming. Three days ago I had 15 all day. then yesterday I drank almost 3 liters of water and still had 5 all day but I was also at work for 13 hours. Then today I've had 4 already and I've been drinking water since I woke up.

The Dr's office says that it's braxton hicks and that i need to hydrate, rest, and take tylenol and if they don't let up or if I get more than 5 in an hour that I need to call right away.

I thought that you aren't supposed to get braxton hicks until your like 22 weeks along. I'm only 18 today. It makes me nervous. How far along were each of you when you started getting them? and what did your Dr's say?

[Cheryl_W]

Scary! But I thought I was getting them already like two weeks ago, but knew it was too early - asked my doc about the tightening/strange feeling in my abdomen, he said GAS. Lovely. Can also be caused by dehydration

Remember they don't know everything about pregnancy, and every woman is different. Yes, the HB should be able to be heard by 12 weeks - but some women hear it at 8, a month earlier, because their body is different. You should start showing at 12 weeks, me and another girl in my DDC have bellies already at 9 and 10. Morning sickness should subside by the 2nd trimester, mine is almost gone at 9 weeks. Everyone - and every pregnancy - is different, those are just guidelines

You could just be more in tune with everything, or have a different body shape that allows you to feel it more.

Relax (stress probably won't help), follow the doctor's advice, and everything will be fine GL sweetie!

[Jodi0804]

I started getting them around 24 weeks. My doctor said as long as I didn't have more than 5 an hour it was ok. I also had more while working (I'm a teacher and constantly on my feet). I found sitting whenever possible and drinking water helped some!

[*Mommy2Camden*]

They can start as early as the beginning of the 3rd trimester.Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Start In The Second Trimester? Mine didn't start until about half-way through my 3rd trimester, but all my girlfriends had them much earlier.

[Lyz]

my started around 28 weeks but I am going to say its due to dehydration. try to rest as much as you can and stay off your feet as much as you can until they subside. I know you have to work but this is your body's way of saying to take it easy. Suck, I know!!

[Lo_and_Behold]

I think mine started right at 20 weeks. I agree with the other girls about staying hydrated & resting as much as possible. Sounds like you work a long shift (you're a nurse right?) so I guess try to take as many little breaks as possible.

[amazing_love]

I haven't had any yet, but i've heard of people getting them pretty early on.