First Braxton Hicks Experience

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

"Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic uterine contractions that start about 6 weeks into your pregnancy, although you won't be able to feel them that early. You probably won't start to notice them until sometime after mid-pregnancy."

Well, it came as a sudden surprise to me the other day.  I was at work and suddenly was feeling this cramping and pain in the lower part of my abdomen that lasted about 5 minutes, but felt like 10!  I didn't know what was going on, so I asked my co-worker (who is a mom of 3) and described to her what I was feeling.  She promptly informed me that I just experienced my first braxton hicks.

At first I thought, "Oh great! This will be added to list of all the other experiences one has while being pregnant!"  But then I thought about it for a little while and decided that since I have had my share of menstrual cramping in the past, I am sure I can handle this one!  I have heard, however, that it can get worse as I get closer to the end and it NEVER compares to the REAL contractions that I get to look forward to as well.

So, there you have my most recent update! :)  I can sure all the moms out there are just chuckling at me as you would love to tell first timers like me "just you wait for the REAL contractions!"   Since I am only 23 weeks along right now, I know I have a long road ahead of me for many more interesting experiences, right?