Braxton Hicks

I think I experienced my first Braxton Hicks (BH) contractions yesterday. I felt them two times, both after having urinated. The first was while I went to the bathroom at work and the second was after I went to the bathroom at home. They were both pretty light, but I noticed them b/c I felt a pressure in my abdomen and my tummy went tight. I had read about other women experiencing BH before, so I knew that's what I was feeling. It wasn't painful at all, just weird. More like a pressure in my tummy rather than anything else. I conteplated whether I should call my doctor, but I read in my WTE book that women can get BH anytime after 20 weeks (and I'm 21w2d), but it's more common for women to get them in their 3rd trimester. I also read that should I have more than 5 an hour, I should call the doctor, and of course, if they start becoming consistent and/or painful. Right now, I'm a little surprised that I felt them this early, but I'm not too worried.

I also read that I should be drinking lotsa water because dehydration can cause BH. I also read from one website poster that her doctor advised her to routinely empty her bladder because a full bladder can sometimes bring BH on. I think, that was the cause in both my cases cause I had been holding in my pee for a while (which I know, I shouldn't do).

On the movement front, the firecracker's movements are getting a little stronger. I'm noticing them more and more often. And today, he made me jump a little as I was sitting and working at my desk. He tickles me! Even last night, when I was watching tv (the bachelorette...anyone else a fan?), he made me giggle b/c his kicks were tickling me. It's too funny. Too bad DH was out walking the dog, or I would have called him over to come feel. Anyways, feeling the firecracker always puts a smile on my face. I love being reassured that all is going well when I feel him.

Hey, maybe pretty soon I'll actually be able to see him make my tummy move when he moves? That'll be another cool milestone to look forward to.