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MilaGirl asked on 12/14/2011 9:26:48 AM Report this post
Good day everyone!

I am 26 weeks tomorrow (holy crap!) and for the last couple weeks have been experiencing something I'm not sure what it is.

Occasionally I'll feel some tightening and pressure in my lower abdomen, pretty much all the way across my belly but only below my belly button. For awhile I just figured it was the baby pushing on me, but then it dawned on me that it could be Braxton Hicks.

Except I'm not sure since I've never been through this before. It's not painful, and it goes away after about 10 or 15 seconds I think, and then it doesn't happen again. On average I'd say it happens about once a day. Again, not painful just noticable tightening and pressure.

Any insight on this? I've googled it and read about it but just wanted to hear what you guys think.



On another note, I freakin gained 3.5 pounds in the last week and a half. I know should only gain 25-35 lb total (so far I'm up 26 lb and still have 14 wks to go). I am also a dietitian so I am aware of how much and what to eat but still, I don't want to gain 50 lb like my mom and aunt!!! So far my efforts of exercise and not overeating have not slowed the wieght gain. I guess I'm just worried that gaining too much weight will give me problems in labor.

rosieebrown said on 12/14/2011 9:43:41 PM Report this post
That's Braxton Hicks. I totally expected them to be something more noticeable than that, but that's just how they felt to me too. Just a tightening, not at all painful.

I wouldn't worry about the weight gain. It sounds like you are being very mindful about your diet and exercise. I found that the weight gain slowed down a lot in the last few weeks. As our baby grows and takes up more space there is less fluid, etc. so it kind of plateaus.

MilaGirl said on 12/15/2011 8:35:31 AM Report this post
Thanks rosie. You give me some peace of mind with the weight gain. I don't know why I'm so worried about it. Guess I'll just keep on doing what I can. I think I can do a little better now because I'm not craving the sweets as badly as before. :)

rmpositive said on 12/16/2011 1:28:04 AM Report this post
That does sound like Braxton Hicks, you'll get used to it lol.. about weight gain, I actually didn't gain weight, feb 2010 got preg and weight was 170 (overweight being 5'5, yikes!), nov 2010 right before delivering I kept weight at 165, delivered and went down to 155.. feb 2011 preg again and started at 155, nov 2011 right before delivering I kept weight at 160, delivered and went down to 150.. of course we are all different and some people gain weight like crazy without even overeating! Maybe it's water weight? As long as baby and you are healthy then you'll be able to shed any extra weight when he/she gets here.. believe me, you won't eat, or sleep for that matter, like a normal person anymore! Lol
Good luck :-))

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