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Posted by on Jan 7, 2013 in Pregnancy | 8 comments

Pregnancy: Week 26

Pregnancy: Week 26

I think I’ve started getting Braxton Hicks this week. Just like last time on Little Man, the Braxton Hicks I feel aren’t exactly as described in the pregnancy books. According to what I’ve read about Braxton Hicks, you should experience them as painless contractions of your belly, lasting a minute or two at a time. That’s not what I experience. Painless yes, but lasting just a minute or two – no. They seem to last for ages for me – I’m never sure exactly how long, because if I’m up and moving around I don’t really notice them. But as soon as I sit down, I’m so uncomfortable because my entire belly is as hard as a rock. It seems to take anything from fifteen minutes to an hour to subside, and then I might not experience it again for a day or two.

That’s exactly how I experienced Braxton Hicks while pregnant with Little Man though, so I guess it’s just how my body warms up for labour. I won’t complain because last time around, on the day, all those lengthy warm up contractions seemed to have paid off, and my labour was quick and smooth. So hopefully it will be the same this time around. That’s what I try to remind myself anyway when I am squirming around trying to find a comfortable position while I wait for my stomach to soften up again.

I’ve read that dehydration can lead to Braxton Hicks becoming more pronounced, so I am trying to make more of an effort to drink plenty of water and keep hydrated. I haven’t noticed any difference in terms of the Braxton Hicks though – the only real effect seems to be that I now require extra trips to the bathroom!

The strengthening movements continue this week. The kicks and rolls are now strong enough that I can see my belly move, and it’s easy to feel the kicks with my hand, especially when they’re at the top of the bump. On Wednesday night, Little Man was sitting beside me while we read a story, when I got a few really strong kicks. I asked him if he wanted to feel the baby kicking. He was so excited to feel his little sister moving. Then he realised that she was kicking me – and the rules in our house clearly state that no one is allowed to kick Mammy! So he gave out to her for kicking Mammy. I explained to him that she’s not really kicking me, she’s just stretching her legs and saying hello to him. Since she can’t talk yet, the only thing she can do is give a little tap with her foot to say hello to him. He was delighted then to think that his little sister was saying hello to him. He started chatting away to her telling her all about the things he will teach her when she is big enough to come out! I must admit, I teared up a little listening to him! 🙂

Find my complete pregnancy journal here.

8 Comments

  1. Aww, what a lovely moment. I must have been fab to have him chat away like that. My Bub is much more churlish about my growing bump. He has given it a hug and a pat once but his preference is a good old smack. I think he wants to show the baby who is boss. Hopefully that won’t continue after the birth!

    • That’s funny Jenny! I’m not sure that Little Man’s friendly intentions towards his baby sister will continue once she arrives and he realises what an intrusion she is in his life!!
      Lisa | Mama.ie recently posted..Reflections on 2012My Profile

  2. Aw that is soooo sweet! I can imagine my little man doing the samething…he is just after asking for a brother or a sister…

    • And are you planning to oblige him? 🙂

  3. I never knew about the water thing. I had painful Braxton Hicks last time so I must give that a go. How sweet of your Little Man!
    Circus Queen recently posted..Baby led weaning: my fussy eaterMy Profile

    • I’m not sure how well it is working, because I am still getting lengthy Braxton Hicks, but I guess they are closer to ten minutes than 30 this week,
      so that’s something…

      I’ve also read that a full bladder can contribute to stronger Braxton Hicks so emptying your bladder more often can reduce the strength and duration of them.

  4. Such a sweet moment.

    I had B-H like that too, especially with my first pregnancy. I’d basically have days when the bump was really tight, and other days when it was much softer. I was briefly hospitalized at 34 weeks for preterm contractions, and when they let me go they told me to drink lots of water. It definitely helped, and I hung on till 38 weeks before going for real.
    Maud recently posted..Transatlantic subtleties: dessert v. puddingMy Profile

    • I went a little early too last time around – 10 days early so a little past 38 weeks. I wonder if the lengthier BH are related?

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