Is it normal to have contraction at 28 weeks

Contractions are common in pregnancy and can occur from the second trimester until term. The Braxton Hicks contractions are normal and do not typically change the cervix or indicate labor. They are usually painless, feel like tightening or hardening of the uterus and occur irregularly.

Your contractions are painful, regular or accompanied by any bleeding or spotting. At first, the movements will feel like a fluttering but will get stronger as you get farther along.

Fetal movements after 28 weeks are usually more regular and more common at night than during the day. Regular monitoring of fetal movements is a good idea for all pregnant women. Starting at 28 weeks gestation, count how long it takes to feel 10 movements. This should be done daily and in the evening p. The changes of pregnancy place women at an increased risk for blood clots. Blood clots can be dangerous and require immediate treatment. You experience swelling and pain in one leg calf.

Swelling of the lower legs is common in pregnancy. However, swelling accompanied by a severe headache, blurred vision, spots in your eyes, or abdominal pain can be a sign of high blood pressure in pregnancy called preeclampsia.

If you experience these symptoms, have your blood pressure checked. However, the specific cause or causes of premature labor are not known. Sometimes a woman may have premature labor for no apparent reason. It may be possible to prevent a premature birth by knowing the warning signs of premature labor and by seeking care early if these signs occur. Warning signs and symptoms for premature labor include:. It is normal to have some uterine contractions throughout the day.

They often occur when you change positions, such as from sitting to lying down. It is not normal to have frequent uterine contractions, such as six or more in one hour. Frequent uterine contractions or tightenings may cause your cervix to begin to open. Since the onset of premature labor is very subtle and often hard to recognize, it is important to know how to feel your abdomen for uterine contractions. You can feel for contractions in this way:. If you think you are having uterine contractions or any other signs and symptoms of premature labor:.

With acknowledgement to Dr. Robert K. UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider. Pregnancy produces many physical changes.

Aside from weight and body shape, other alterations in your body chemistry and function take place. Learn more. Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs in about 7 percent of all pregnancies. Domestic violence is the most common health problem among women during pregnancy. It greatly threatens both the mother's and baby's health. Learn more here. It is important to get the nutrients you need both before getting pregnant and during your pregnancy.

Find more nutrition information including macros here. Understanding and Identifying Braxton Hicks Contractions. Their intensity doesn't change. Braxton Hicks contractions usually remain fairly weak, while true labor contractions grow increasingly intense. They go away with a change in activity.

If you're sitting down and having Braxton-Hicks contractions, they will usually go away if you get up and walk around. If you've been moving around, the opposite is true — try resting for a while and the contractions should go away. True contractions, on the other hand, do not go away with changes in activity.

They feel like a tightening across the front of the uterus. True labor contractions, on the other hand, wrap from the top of the abdomen down, and wrap across the front of the abdomen and around the back. They are irregular. The length and frequency of Braxton Hicks contraction varies.

True labor contractions occur at regular intervals and last at least thirty seconds. Real contractions will also grow longer and closer together. What Causes Braxton Hicks Contractions? Strenuous exercise or activity Dehydration.

Sex, particularly orgasm Someone touching the mother's belly.