Why does my stomach keep hardening and getting tight?

Braxton Hicks contractions.
Basically a rehersel of things to come.

The uterus is ‘practicing’ for it’s starring role. haha

You’re good my darling…fear not….lol

And…you may be early rather than late.

For some reason I thought I would be late, just an idea in my mind.
I kept a calender in my bathroom and stared at it every time I was on the potty. haha’

Turns out my water broke a week early and I ended up being induced after no contractions for 12 hours.

Surprises abound….just relax…your baby WILL be born and I am sure it will all go just fine.

I was like ” OMG! I am supposed to have another week at least! haha

@Coloma That’s what I figured it was. Just wanted to make sure it’s normal at this early on :)

If they don’t get worse and/or closer together, you’re probably fine.

Braxton Hicks are irregular and that’s a key distinguishing feature between them and the real thing. They can feel quite strong and I know I ended up going off to the hospital when I was due only to be sent home again.

In addition to the Braxton Hicks, it could also be baby movement. Sometimes the baby will move and stretch in ways that will make your belly feel tight. Depending on the size and location of baby, will depend on the hardness.

At your next appointment, tell your doctor that you’ve been having some Braxton Hicks and they’ll tell you what they want you to watch out for and what they feel requires you to be checked. Each office is a bit different on their guidelines.

I spent a night in the hospital with Braxton-Hicks a month before my due date. They were determining if they were the real thing. Nothing developed and Iwent home. If you are concerned, call your doctor.

I had a big scare late in my 8th month when I became aware I had not felt the baby move for about 12 hours or so.
Usually she was very active and squirming around constantly. lol

I went to the ER and they put on the monitor and all was well. She was just being lazy I guess. haha

I will never forget how afraid I felt. :-/

Hope you are feeling ok @ItalianPrincess1217. I got the Braxton Hicks at about 20 weeks too – they would stop me dead in my stride and double me over. I lost the ability to run for trains as they seemed to be triggered by sudden exercise lol. Everything was fine and I had an ok labour – just 7 hours. I didn’t get them so much the second time and had an even shorter labour!

Sounds like Braxton Hicks. If it makes you nervous, call your doctor.

My midwife told me to take a hot bath and drink a small glass of cold wine to make them stop. It worked, but ask your doc before you try anything like that.