Help!!! labor contractions or braxton hicks????????

[toobee]

Okay, so I have been up almost all night with strange uncomfortable feelings in my belly. I am a liitle over 18 weeks pregnant with twins. The discomfort I have is right under my left boob and the top of my stomach, Its like a strange tightening in my belly all over the top and sometimes straight down the middle...........I have no idea how to really explain this, it almost feels like I am wearing a girdle that is pressing hard against the top of my belly and underneath my boobs..........IS this normal???? As you know I am at high risk for pre-term labor because I have twins and since I don't know what a contraction feels like or anything for that matter I don't know what normal is................Are these Braxton hicks??? Round ligament??? Labor contractions????

any help would be appreciated.....I am starting to get really concerned since they aren't going away, but its not getting stronger either, just the same uncomfortable feeling. It helps when I lay down, but sitting makes it worse. It doesnt feel like menstrual cramps and they are only around the upper portion of my belly under my boobs and sometimes down center of my upper belly.

[Fluffypuppygal]

Hi!
Not to alarm you, but I would go to the ER and have them check you out, just to be on the safe side. The ultrasound tech can tell you right away if it is labor contractions or a possible stomach flu issue (which also mimics these symptoms you are describing).
Sure the co-pay stinks, but it is worth the peace of mind and safety for the babies. The sooner you know, the sooner they can act.

[toobee]

Hey Ladies!

Thanks for all your replies and concern. I was getting so scared. I called the emergency number of my doctors office and they told me I neeeded to rest. It appears I expereinced my first real round of Braxton Hicks contractions. It wa a very strange feeling especailly since I never felt anything like that before!!!! Resting seemed to help plus I took a warm bath. My Dr thinks I am doing to much and need to rest more and not push myslef so hard because that can also trigger them. I will be going to see her this week or earlier if I expereince that again.

for now.....seems like I am fine!!! After resting for the everning lastnight and taking a warm bath I woke up today feeling so much better...still hav the senstion but not nearly as bad.

again thanks ladies!

[Fluffypuppygal]

Yeay!
I'm so glad things worked out! I have become a big advocate for asking for medical help whenever anything odd or concerning goes on in pregnancy. I'm glad it was nothing more serious.

[sugabeanzs]

toobee: I do not know if you remember me but that is how I started! I was put on bed rest at 20 weeks with my twins. So I would recommend taking it easier for sure! I eventually had to be put on procardia (I think? I do not remember the name of it!) to stop contractions so I could be at home. Low and behold the girls came at 30 weeks plus 6 days.