Why Is My Pregnant Belly Sometimes Hard And Sometimes Soft?

Why is my pregnant belly sometimes hard and sometimes soft 24 weeks?

Your Pregnant Belly: Second Trimester (Weeks 14 to 27) – You still might not notice much of a bump when your second trimester starts. But by midway through, that’ll start to change—and by the trimester’s end, you’ll likely have a sweet, rounded belly.

1. Around the 20-week mark your uterus will have grown up to your belly button, which for many women causes their belly to noticeably protrude or pop.
2. For some people it can feel like it happens overnight.
3. One day you just reach this threshold where it seems like everybody is noticing,” Anderson says.
4. Even then, it’s more your expanding uterus than the baby that’s giving you that round look, she notes.

At 20 weeks, baby is still less than a pound and only about the size of a banana. And when your bump first becomes visible, it’s normal for it to seem like it’s growing more upwards than outwards, Duke explains. (That’s your stomach and intestines being pushed up to make more room for your uterus.) It’s not just the size of your bump that’s really changing these days.

1. Some time during your second trimester, you might start to notice a dark, vertical line running down the center of your abdomen.
2. That’s your linea nigra, a common but harmless pigmentation caused by changing hormones.
3. This pregnant belly line will typically fade within a few months after giving birth.

Wondering why your pregnant belly sometimes feels hard and other times feels soft? Don’t worry, that’s par for the course too. Many women in their second and third trimesters start to notice Braxton-Hicks contractions, sporadic “practice” contractions caused by the tightening and relaxing of your uterine muscles.

• These occasional, irregular spasms aren’t anything to worry about, and they’re not a sign that your body is going into labor.
• Call your doctor, though, if the contractions start to feel like they’re coming in regular intervals, go on for more than an hour or become progressively stronger or closer together, Anderson says.

Those could be real contractions, which could be a sign of preterm labor,

Why is my pregnant belly sometimes big and sometimes small?

Core strength – Core muscles are an important muscle group and are vital to things like posture and balance. Our core also affects how far a baby bump comes out. Story continues below advertisement “If someone is very fit and does a lot of sit-ups or Pilates and has a strong core, then their rectus muscles — which are the abdominal muscles in front — are tight,” Kirkham said. 1:12 One-third of pregnant women think cannabis is okay to use during pregnancy, review says Strong abdominal muscles mean a growing uterus is going to stay closer to the core of the body, Kirkham explained, making a bump appear smaller. On the other hand, if core muscles have been stretched out from a previous pregnancy, a second or third pregnancy baby bump may look larger.

Why does my baby bump look smaller some days?

Why do baby bumps change size throughout the day? – “It is not uncommon for a woman to notice that her baby bump is looking bigger in the evening than it was in the morning,” Lesley tells us. “This is generally due to the fact that her abdominal muscles, which hold the baby bump, have loosened and relaxed throughout the day, allowing the bump to ‘push’ further out and appear larger.

The baby and the womb themselves have not changed size, though.” She added, “Weaker or tired abdominal muscles may also lead to a more pronounced curve in the lower back, which can emphasise the larger appearance of the bump. After a restful night, the abdominal muscles have recovered and are stronger – and can therefore better hold the weight of the baby bump and the woman’s posture.” According to Lesley, there are a number of reasons why your baby bump might look bigger or smaller depending on the time of day, just as our hour-to-hour when we’re not pregnant.

“In the morning, the stomach is empty and the digestive tract has digested all food from the night before, making the abdominal area and, thus, the baby bump, appear smaller than later on in the day, when we’ve ingested food – especially if it’s a big meal,” she explained. And that’s not all! “Baby’s position can also change the shape and size of the baby bump,” Lesley pointed out. “For example, when a baby is head down, with their back towards the front of the bump, the latter tends to look quite round, neat and ‘compact’.

Why does my pregnant belly get rock hard?

Is hardening of the abdomen normal during pregnancy? – Expectant mothers expecting the birth of their first child often wonder whether their belly should be hard or soft. Meanwhile, a lot depends on what stage of development the child is in. However, there are times when it should be considered a signal to consult a specialist.

While it is a normal condition before birth, hardening of the abdomen should not occur at the beginning of pregnancy. If additional worrisome symptoms occur, such as spotting, pregnancy bleeding and pain, be sure to see a pregnancy specialist, as they may indicate preterm labor or miscarriage. A hard abdomen should prompt the expectant mother to see her gynecologist, especially if the symptoms occur before 30 weeks of pregnancy.

They may also indicate abnormalities at later stages. However, the expectant mother should not panic, but simply make an appointment. Towards the end of pregnancy, a hard abdomen is usually a symptom of preterm labor, which indicates that labor is about to begin.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are characterized by the fact that they are not painful, but regular and last about 30 seconds. They occur several times a day. They begin in the upper abdomen and gradually descend. Apart from the above-mentioned hardening of the abdomen, they are not accompanied by other symptoms.

In this way, the uterus is prepared for birth, but also the baby’s muscles are stimulated.

Are pregnant bellies supposed to be hard or squishy?

Milk Formula & Powder Brand in Singapore Pregnancy Relationships & Support 4 Months (17 Weeks) Pregnant Belly Feels Soft

Thanks for your question! Our Healthcare Expert will be answering some questions every week but in the meantime, here’s a little tip from our Careline! It is very normal to experience soft tummy at 17 weeks of pregnancy. This seems to be a very common feedback among pregnant mummies during the first two trimester.

1. It all depends on the size and position of the foetus.
2. It will probably get hard as you get further along in your pregnancy.
3. Do not get too worry about it.
4. If you are concern, you may check with your gynae during your next follow-up.
5. At 17 weeks, baby is about the size of your palm and weighs only about 150gms.

Your tummy might be starting to show but the height of the uterus is only somewhere midway between your pubic bone and the umbilicus so the rest of your abdomen might still feel soft.

Is it bad to touch your belly button while pregnant?

Sureif that’s what you want to do. It might seem weird at first, since baby is so small and still developing. But your baby is incredibly well cushioned in there. Remember, she’s floating in a sac of amniotic fluid, which is surrounded by a thick, muscular organ (your uterus).

1. On top of that is your skin and belly fat (more cushioning!).
2. Of course, just because it won’t hurt baby, doesn’t mean she can’t feel you poking — in fact, baby will probably feel you move and poke before you can start to feel her, which is usually at around 18 to 20 weeks.
3. And when baby’s big enough, she might even poke back! Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such.

You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances. Plus, more from The Bump:

Can your bump feel smaller some days?

This is probably because your baby has dropped or lightened in preparation for being born. (Not all babies do this; some don’t drop until labor starts.) If you notice an overnight drop in your bump before the 37-week mark, talk to your practitioner, as it could indicate your body is getting ready for labor.

Is it normal for your baby bump to fluctuate in size?

The amount of amniotic fluid – The amount of amniotic fluid can fluctuate throughout pregnancy and even hourly. At the beginning of pregnancy your body is producing most of the amniotic fluid. However as your baby grows they are producing more fluid through urine and lung excretions meaning your bump may change in size.

Should I worry if my baby bump gets smaller?

How does my healthcare provider measure my pregnant belly? – In your first trimester, your ob-gyn or midwife will begin to use various measurements – not your appearance – to make sure your baby’s growth is on track. They’ll do a pelvic exam to assess the size of your growing uterus, or order an ultrasound to see how large your baby is.

Advertisement | page continues below Starting at around 20 weeks, just after you’ve passed the four months pregnant mark, your provider will start measuring and tracking your fundal height – the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus – to estimate your baby’s size, growth rate, and position.

The 20-week anatomy scan ultrasound provides even more information about how your baby’s growing. If your uterus or baby are truly measuring smaller than normal for your stage of pregnancy, your ob-gyn or midwife will monitor you and your baby closely for intrauterine growth restriction, which is a condition that occurs when babies appear smaller than expected. Yes No

Why is my baby bump smaller in the morning than at night?

Why do baby bumps change size throughout the day? – “It is not uncommon for a woman to notice that her baby bump is looking bigger in the evening than it was in the morning,” Lesley tells us. “This is generally due to the fact that her abdominal muscles, which hold the baby bump, have loosened and relaxed throughout the day, allowing the bump to ‘push’ further out and appear larger.

1. The baby and the womb themselves have not changed size, though.” She added, “Weaker or tired abdominal muscles may also lead to a more pronounced curve in the lower back, which can emphasise the larger appearance of the bump.
2. After a restful night, the abdominal muscles have recovered and are stronger – and can therefore better hold the weight of the baby bump and the woman’s posture.” According to Lesley, there are a number of reasons why your baby bump might look bigger or smaller depending on the time of day, just as our hour-to-hour when we’re not pregnant.

“In the morning, the stomach is empty and the digestive tract has digested all food from the night before, making the abdominal area and, thus, the baby bump, appear smaller than later on in the day, when we’ve ingested food – especially if it’s a big meal,” she explained. Maskot // Getty Images And that’s not all! “Baby’s position can also change the shape and size of the baby bump,” Lesley pointed out. “For example, when a baby is head down, with their back towards the front of the bump, the latter tends to look quite round, neat and ‘compact’.

How come some days I look more pregnant than others?

Yes. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for how big your baby bump should be. The size of your bump can be affected by all sorts of factors. The position of your baby in your womb (uterus) can make your bump look bigger. You may also have a bigger bump if you’re carrying twins or more.

1. If you’re expecting your second or subsequent baby, you may also tend to have a larger bump.
2. This is probably because your tummy muscles have been stretched by previous pregnancies.
3. Being overweight, or gaining a lot of weight during pregnancy, may also make your bump look bigger,
4. Whatever your height, if you have a short torso your bump is also likely to be more out front and larger than someone with a long torso.

Sometimes a big bump may mean you will have a big baby, If you have diabetes or another condition that makes it more likely you’ll have a large baby, you’ll be carefully monitored throughout your pregnancy. You’ll also be offered extra scans to check how your baby is growing.

1. Carrying more amniotic fluid than usual ( polyhydramnios ) can also cause you to measure larger than normal for your stage of pregnancy.
2. It happens in around one in 100 pregnancies and most cases are mild to moderate.
3. Where does my pregnancy weight come from? Midwife Tracey Owen demonstrates where the extra weight you put on in pregnancy comes from.

More pregnancy videos Your midwife will measure your bump during your routine antenatal appointments, Checking the size of your bump tells your midwife about your baby’s size and rate of growth. If you’re having your first baby, your midwife will measure your bump from about 25 weeks,

If you’re having your second or subsequent baby, your midwife won’t measure your bump until you’re 28 weeks pregnant, To measure your bump, your midwife will run a tape measure from the upper edge of your pubic bone to the top of your womb. The top of your womb is called the fundus, so this measurement is called the fundal height.

The number of centimetres your bump measures should be the same as the number of weeks you are pregnant, give or take 2cm (0.78in).

Why does my bump change size throughout the day?

Why does your bump look bigger at night? – So what’s going on? Experts agree that it’s all about your abdominal muscles getting tired from holding the weight of your baby bump, and so they loosen and expand, letting your bump sit out further and appear bigger.

Then, when you go to sleep, those muscles get a chance to rest and recuperate, so, by morning, they’re refreshed and ready to hold your baby in more tightly again. Quite how marked the daily small-to-large transformation is can depend on the number of pregnancies you have had, your build, and your age.

Basically, your ab muscles may loosen a lot more easily and noticeably if you’re over 35 and/or you’ve carried several pregnancies already – or carried multiples. And then, of course, there are other more obvious that can play a part in the end-of-the-day bump swell: your baby may have changed position from the morning or you may have have downed a big meal in the evening – hello, pregnancy bloat!

When should I stop bending during pregnancy?

Bending during pregnancy: the third trimester – Even in your third trimester of pregnancy, bending is still considered safe for your baby. You’ll probably find it becomes increasingly difficult for you, though, if not impossible. Apart from your extra body weight, the size of your belly is increasing.

• This puts extra pressure on your back, hips, legs, knees, and feet.
• The third trimester is a good time in your pregnancy to ask for and accept, any and all offers of help.
• Your body is doing an amazing job.
• It’s nourishing your baby and preparing for birth.
• Make sure you make plenty of time to put your feet up and relax each day.

And, if you haven’t already done it, start delegating household tasks to others.

When does your belly button pop out in pregnancy?

When does your belly button pop out in pregnancy? – While it’s different for every woman, most find that their belly button pops out towards the end of their second trimester,

Can I hurt my baby by pressing on my stomach third trimester?

Exercises that use your abdominal muscles – You use your core for the vast majority of exercises, even when they’re focused on your arms, butt, or legs. But there are definitely some exercises, like crunches, sit-ups, and leg lifts, that work your abs the hardest — and these should generally be avoided after the first trimester.

• While there’s no direct harm to your baby with these exercises, there are a few reasons why it’s better to skip them.
• Lying flat on your back can interfere with your blood flow, and can also cause you to accidentally strain other muscle groups, like the ones in your back, to overcompensate for the weight in your front.

If you want to keep strengthening your core during pregnancy, you can do planks, standing crunches, and yoga poses that position you on your hands and knees. There are three scenarios where you should call your doctor ASAP, no matter how small they might seem in the moment:

You’re in a car accident. It doesn’t matter if it’s a head-on collision or a small tap in a parking lot — contact your doctor if you’re involved in any kind of motor vehicle accident. You fall. Flat on your face, hard on your butt, turtle-style onto your backside — it doesn’t matter where you land or what you injure. If there’s impact, you should call your doctor. You experience an intentional blow to the stomach. There will always be rogue limbs flying when you have a toddler around, and that’s fine. But if anyone hits or kicks you in the stomach on purpose, you should contact your doctor (and if necessary, the police or a domestic violence hotline, depending on the situation).

If you have a minor abdominal strain or impact like the ones we outlined before (e.g., your dog jumped on you or you lifted something unexpectedly heavy), you most likely won’t need to call or see your doctor. You still should be on the lookout for any concerning symptoms, such as:

vaginal bleeding or bloody dischargeconsistent pain or crampingfrequent contractions that don’t get better when you resta decrease in fetal movement

If you notice any of these symptoms, call your doctor, regardless of how mild you think the impact or strain to your belly might have been. The vast majority of contact your belly has with the outside world every day won’t hurt your baby — they’re very well protected in there! The risk increases a little during the third trimester, when baby is bigger and the risk of placental abruption is higher.

Why is my stomach squishy and hard?

Your stomach can feel hard due to bloating or constipation. But sometimes another health condition, like food intolerance or an infection, can cause it to feel swollen. If your stomach is feeling hard and swollen, it’s usually a side effect from certain foods or drinks.

Sometimes, when accompanied by other symptoms, a hard stomach is an indication of an underlying condition. A hard, swollen stomach will usually go away after you stop consuming whatever food or drink triggered it. However, sometimes the symptoms stick around and are a sign you need medical attention. Here’s what you need to know about the causes and treatments of a hard stomach.

When your stomach swells and feels hard, the explanation might be as simple as overeating or drinking carbonated drinks, which is easy to remedy. Other causes may be more serious, such as an inflammatory bowel disease. Causes of a hard stomach include: Carbonated drinks Sometimes the accumulated gas from drinking a soda too quickly can result in a hard stomach.

This uncomfortable feeling dissipates as the gas is expelled. Overeating Eating too much at one sitting or eating too quickly can give you an uncomfortable sense of fullness along with a hard stomach. The discomfort usually goes away over time as the food moves through the digestive system. Constipation If you’re having trouble with bowel movements, you may be constipated,

This can lead to an uncomfortable feeling of being overly full or bloated along with a hard stomach. Food intolerance If you have trouble digesting certain foods — for example, dairy for lactose intolerance — consuming that food can result in bloating and swelling that can make your stomach feel hard.

bloatingcrampinggasabdominal pain

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) IBD includes conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease which can cause abdominal bloating and cramping that can make your stomach feel hard. Diverticulitis Diverticulitis, an inflammation and infection of the digestive tract, can also result in bloating and swelling that may make your stomach feel hard.

painbloatinga hard stomach

Stomach cancer Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, commonly involves either the stomach lining or stomach muscle walls. Although this is a relatively rare cancer, it may result in a hard stomach. Generally, you expect a hard stomach when you’re pregnant,

Your hard-feeling stomach is caused by the pressure of your uterus growing and putting pressure on your abdomen. The hardness of your stomach while pregnant can be more pronounced if you eat a low-fiber diet or drink a lot of carbonated beverages. If your experience severe pain along with your hard stomach, you should see your OB-GYN or seek immediate medical attention.

Sometimes severe pain in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is an indicator of miscarriage, Although more common in the third trimester, in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, discomfort can come from labor contractions or Braxton-Hicks contractions,

Typically Braxton-Hicks contractions pass. If the contractions don’t pass and become more persistent, it might be a sign that you’re going into labor. There are a number of reasons that your stomach could feel hard or tight. Since most of them are digestive issues, they often go away on their own or can be simply treated.

If symptoms worsen or continue for more than a few days, you should see your doctor about a full diagnosis to identify the cause and recommend an appropriate treatment.

Why do doctors press on your stomach when pregnant?

Pregnancy – antenatal checks of your baby

A midwife or doctor will use abdominal palpation during an antenatal visit to examine a baby’s position and growth.

These diagrams show the position of the baby and demonstrate the technique of ‘abdominal palpation’, which means to examine by touching and feeling. The midwife or doctor uses this technique during your antenatal visit to examine your baby’s position and growth.1.

1. Assessing the height of the fundus (top of the uterus) – seeing how many fingerbreadths below the xiphisternum (bottom of the woman’s sternum bone) the baby is laying.2.
2. Assessing the size of baby and feeling for the baby’s back and limbs.3.
3. Pawlik’s grip – the lower part of the uterus is grasped by the midwife to determine what part of the baby is presenting first.4.

Pelvic palpation to determine the position of the baby’s head in relation to the woman’s pelvis.5. Measuring the height of the fundus, which generally corresponds to the number of weeks of gestation of the pregnancy.6. Listening to the baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler ultrasound.1.

• Checking the height of the fundus (the highest point of the uterus).
• At 20 weeks, this measurement is taken from the belly button.
• When the pregnancy is at term (37 to 40 weeks), it is taken from the lower end of the woman’s sternum bone (the xiphisternum).2.
• Assessing the baby’s position and size.
• Feeling for the baby’s head, back and limbs.3.

Using Pawlik’s grip to check that the baby’s buttocks are in the pelvis.4. Listening to the baby’s heartbeat.

Does baby like when I rub my belly?

Did you know unborn babies love belly rubs? Read more here Did you know unborn babies love belly rubs? Read more here Being a mother is a gift of God that every woman is bestowed with. A mother is considered a divine figure and is often equated with the superpower that exists in the universe. This is because she has the power to create a life and keep it in her womb for several months.

1. The term ‘mother’ has indefinite emotions attached to it.
2. Women who go through pregnancy claim the experience to be a blend of emotions, power, strength, and other indefinite feelings.
3. Each woman gets a different experience when she is pregnant.
4. However, taking care of an unborn baby is a common factor in all of them.

An unborn baby communicates through its mother’s body (Well! Isn’t it fascinating?). Its demands, needs, and wants are all fulfilled in the womb through its mother’s bodies and acts. A baby moves and kicks inside the body as it grows and feels certain emotions.

• However, did you know that unborn babies love belly rubs ? Let’s read further.1.
• Well! Touch is the first sense a baby develops in its mother’s womb.
• Yes, before hearing and sight, it’s the touch that a baby develops.
• Hence, naturally, a belly rub is something that a baby would recognize and like.2.
• As a response or communication unborn babies in the womb are more likely to reach out and touch the uterus wall when their mother rubs her tummy.

Also read: 3. It starts around week 19 of when the developing baby becomes touch sensitive. Even, twins communicate with each other through touch during the early second trimester.4. The little one’s body parts, like head and limbs, stick out every which way. Kavya • 2 days ago Kavya • 3 days ago Kavya • 3 days ago Mirchi • 7 days ago Mirchi • 9 days ago

Can my baby feel my hand on my belly?

TASTE – Three months into your pregnancy, your baby’s mouth already has taste buds which he can use to experiment with a whole range of different flavours. These come through the amniotic fluid: he sucks and swallows almost continuously, and so is able to taste the various foodstuffs that you yourself eat.

After 4 months, he is able to distinguish between sweet, salty, sour and bitter flavours. Babies suck almost incessantly in the womb – which explains why so many newborn babies have an intense need to suck as soon as they are born. It’s very important to vary your own diet during pregnancy so as to develop your baby’s sense of taste (while at the same time eating what you fancy and meeting your own requirements): this way, he’ll be able to taste a range of different flavours – which he will remember after birth.

So don’t deprive yourself of spicy or highly-flavoured dishes! Your baby will also enjoy what you eat, and these experiences will help determine his future preferences: once he is born, he will already be familiar with a wide range of tastes, and he will appreciate them more easily when the time comes to vary his diet.

Can my boyfriend lay on my pregnant belly?

What sex positions should I avoid during pregnancy? – Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, there’s almost nothing that’s off-limits. By the second trimester, you’ll want to steer clear of any position that puts weight on your belly, like your partner lying directly on top of you or you lying on your stomach, and anything that keeps you on your back for too long.

Should my belly be hard at 24 weeks pregnant?

When does your belly start feeling hard during pregnancy? – This varies, but it’s usually during your second or third trimester, As your uterus grows, it eventually pushes against your abdominal wall, making your abdomen feel firm. The muscles and ligaments around your uterus stretch, too, which can cause mild cramping.

Advertisement | page continues below When you’re about 20 weeks pregnant, your uterus is at your belly button. (Your ob-gyn or midwife will measure the growth of your uterus and evaluate your baby and body at each prenatal visit,) Some women never get that hard, defined pregnancy belly, and that’s okay.

Just like our bodies are different before pregnancy, they’re different during pregnancy, too! Tall women have more vertical space for their growing uterus, so often will show later. Full-figured or plus-size pregnant women have more padding, and the distinct outline of their bump is blurred.

• Belly hardness can also be caused by gas, a common pregnancy side effect.
• You get gassy because of hormone changes that slow the rate at which food passes through your digestive tract.
• Because of this slower pace, your food spends more time in your intestines, giving the bacteria that live there more time to produce gas.

Pregnancy exercise can help move the gas through, as can safe over-the-counter medications, Eating fiber-rich foods that are broken down can be helpful, too: Try applesauce instead of apples and cooked spinach instead of a raw salad. Carbonated beverages make some women feel particularly bad, since they add gas to their gas.

Is tightening normal at 24 weeks pregnant?

Abdominal tightening can be a sign of the uterus stretching, gas, or pregnancy loss, depending on the stage of pregnancy. In the third trimester, Braxton Hicks contractions or labor can cause feelings of tightness. There are many reasons for the stomach or abdomen to tighten during pregnancy, and these may vary, depending on the trimester.

1. In this article, we look at the causes, as well as when to speak to a doctor.
2. There are many reasons why a woman may feel her stomach is tightening during the first trimester of pregnancy, including: Stretching During the first trimester, the uterus is growing and stretching rapidly to accommodate the growing fetus.

This can cause abdominal cramping or sharp, stabbing, or shooting pains along the side of the abdomen, as the ligaments and other tissues stretch. Gas or constipation Gas pain is a very common problem throughout pregnancy. It can cause cramping or shooting pain in the abdomen, and it can be very painful.

• Constipation is also a common complaint in early pregnancy.
• The changing pregnancy hormones can slow down the gastrointestinal tract.
• Also, the iron in some prenatal vitamins can harden stool and make it difficult to go to the bathroom.
• Both gas and constipation can sometimes make it feel as if the stomach is tightening.

Miscarriage Rarely, tightening of the abdomen can signal a miscarriage, which is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. However, a miscarriage is most common before the 12th week of pregnancy. Other signs of a miscarriage include:

mild to severe back pain bright red or brown vaginal bleedingcrampingvaginal discharge of tissue or clotsdecrease in the symptoms or signs of pregnancy, such as morning sickness or breast tenderness

The signs of a miscarriage vary between individuals and, in some situations, a woman may not have any signs at all. It is important for a woman to get regular prenatal care during early pregnancy so that her doctor can monitor the baby’s development. In early pregnancy, a woman should call the doctor’s office with any vaginal bleeding, especially if it is red and resembles a period.

Stretching, cramping, and stabbing pain along the sides of the uterus often continues into the second trimester, and is known as round ligament pain. The round ligaments are located on either side of the uterus and connect the uterus to the groin. During pregnancy, the ligaments stretch as the uterus grows, which can cause the sharp pain.

This pain commonly occurs with changes in position, such as sitting to standing or bending down. Most women start to feel their uterus contract and periodically tighten some time during the second trimester, the point in their pregnancy between 14 to 28 weeks.

These are known as Braxton-Hicks contractions, false labor, or practice contractions. The purpose of Braxton-Hicks contractions is for the uterus to prepare for the hard work of labor and delivery. It is thought that they help to tone the muscle in the uterus and promote blood flow to the placenta. Braxton-Hicks contractions are normal and very common.

They typically last for around 30 to 60 seconds but can be as long as 2 minutes. They are not as painful as regular contractions, but can still cause considerable pain and discomfort. Some things may trigger or worsen Braxton-Hicks contractions:

sex or orgasm dehydration a full bladdersharp kicking by the baby

Even though Braxton-Hicks contractions are common during pregnancy, it is important to mention them to the doctor at prenatal visits. The doctor can help determine whether they are Braxton-Hicks, or if they could be a sign of preterm labor. It is important to call the doctor if:

contractions get stronger or closer togethercontractions are not relieved by rest or drinking waterthere is fluid leaking from the vaginathere is vaginal bleeding

A doctor should evaluate these symptoms to make sure that a woman is not experiencing complications or preterm labor. Share on Pinterest During the third trimester, Braxton-Hicks contractions may increase in strength. Stomach-tightening associated with Braxton-Hicks contractions increases in strength and frequency during the third trimester.

Drinking a glass of water : Dehydration is a common trigger for Braxton-Hicks contractions. Try having a big glass of water and lying down for a few minutes. Using the bathroom : Having a full bladder is associated with increased Braxton-Hicks contractions. Sometimes, just using the bathroom and emptying the bladder can stop the contractions. Changing positions : Sometimes body position can put pressure on the uterus, triggering Braxton-Hicks contractions. Try shifting positions or lying down. Taking a warm bath or shower : Sitting in a warm tub can relax tired or achy muscles, including the uterus. Drinking a cup of tea or warm milk : Warm milk or herbal tea can be both relaxing and hydrating.

It is important to call a doctor if home remedies do not relieve stomach tightening or if there are more than four contractions in an hour. Many women have called their doctor or gone to the hospital if they experience Braxton-Hicks contractions, especially near the end of their pregnancy.

Braxton-Hicks contractions	True labor
Irregular in intensity and frequency	Get closer together and progressively stronger
Uncomfortable	Painful
May be relieved with home measures, including drinking water or lying down	Home measures do not relieve them
No other signs of labor	May have other signs of labor

Other signs of labor can include:

back pain or crampingleaking of fluid from the vaginabloody vaginal discharge

As always, it is essential to contact the doctor or make a trip to the hospital with any questions or concerns.

Is your stomach hard at 24 weeks pregnant?

Around week 24 of pregnancy, many pregnant women get a bit of a shock: Their belly becomes rock-hard! Before you think ‘OMG, what’s going on?!’ and start to worry, find out here why you can relax when experiencing ‘Braxton Hicks’ and what else you can expect as you reach the end of the second trimester!

What to expect at 24 weeks?

Highlights at 24 Weeks Pregnant –

At 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is now about the size of a full ear of corn. They’re growing stronger, meaning you might feel more of their movements right now! Now might be the time to start thinking about your birth plan—it’s always good to be prepared! Your baby is getting bigger, and it’s healthy and normal to gain pregnancy weight at around 24 weeks. You might consider wearing some stretchy pants and roomy tops for more comfort. Your healthcare provider will help you stay on track with your weight, but you can also try out our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator below: