[Corella]

17 weeks and first long day at work after Christmas shutdown. Active job, on my feet all day. Ok my feet are puffy so I'm lying down now, but today the Braxton Hicks have been reeeaaaalllllyyyy bad and now I'm achy and sore.

I had lots of BH with pregnancy #1 that never came to much but today got to thinking - do they "turn" into contractions? Can I really do too much and go into labour? I am uncomfortable now and my muscles are sore but am wondering if I can keep working with these!

[Katie_bella]

I would listen to your body. Even if you don't go into labour, your body is clearly showing you it needs a rest.

[Meplusmoo]

I had them super strongly with DD1 ( only 1 child) from 23 weeks. I was working in a pu/hotel/bottlo and didn't stop because of them.
Mine were so strong if I had a tight top on people would know when they were happening. Drinking lots of water helps them to ease. I was lifting heavy carting of beer and soft drink up until 30 weeks because my body felt capable

If you don't feel safe/capable to be doing certain things then don't do them. Or check with GP first.

I also thought having strong BH would put me in to labour quicker and make for a quick delivery but she held off until my due date and then had a 28 hour labour.

[happyapple]

Braxton hicks can actually make for a shorter labour as they are your uterine muscles training for more effective contractions. They also help your uterus to contract back to a regular size post natally.
Sorry, I guess it's not true for everyone PP!
Rest when you can, but I don't think they will turn into contractions. If you are ever concerned, please see your caregiver.

[Corella]

I see her tomorrow so will ask. Am wearing a belly band and feeling a bit better for it.

[soontobegran]

Braxton Hicks will not put a normally progressing pregnancy into labour but of course this doesn't mean they are not very uncomfortable at times.
I had them very very early on with my subsequent pregnancies with them starting at about 10-12 weeks with #5.
They made no difference to my cervix nor did they make me labour faster or better when I was really in labour
BH actually improve uterine tone and encourage blood supply to the placenta so even though they seem to be just a pain in the butt they do have a purpose.
We all have BH but some do not feel them, others feel them VERY well.

The best thing to do if they are painful is to rest momentarily or change your position, it is usually enough to ease them off.
Good luck with them.....I feel for you.