Mothers Forum

I'm about 5 months pregnant with my second child and I already feel my tummy getting tight and very hard to the touch.  It is so uncomfortable.  Could it be that it's because I'm an older mum?  (I'm 40). I teach at a preschool, so my work is pretty full on.

I can't even go for a nice walk now because I get too "tight" and it feels awful.  I used to run 6 k a day... now I can't even manage a 1 k stroll without stopping boo hoo.

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Hi Vegmum - it sounds to me a LOT like Braxton Hicks contractions? Did you have them with your daughter? I had them with all 3 pregnancies from 18 weeks (1st), progressively getting earlier & worse and worse.
There are many websites with definitions on them but I grabbed the 1st one I saw.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braxton_Hicks_contractions
I also wrote a lot about them in the Forums. They tend to be a lot worse if dehydrated, so grab a drink and sit down and rest. Unfortunately no matter how annoying they are, you cant stop them, and its not an age thing. A friend who has 5 kids and never felt 1! but the good news is  that your womb is getting nice and strong!
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i too had a hard tight tummy when pregnant - unfortunately have not had once since!
 
Check with your midwife but i think that gillymama is probably right . If its any consolation i had my babies in record time so perhaps i was getting a nice strong womb. I also felt as if my bladder was falling out - turns out it was and had to have an op afterwards to sling it back into the right place. Ah the joys of pregnancy!
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Mumofgorgeous3girls

im on no.3, and get the braxton hicks contractions too.  earlier and worse with each pregnancy, but the water and resting with feet up def does help. good luck!!
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Im on baby number four and have just gone 21 weeks and i have been havving braxton hicks for a few weeks now alot earlier than with the others and some intense nothing that im all worried about its funny the moe kids you have the more you notice earlier on
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MariaBeukes

Yep, I too hard the hard, tight tummy with both my pregnancies.  And just like mumof3girls, I haven't had a hard, tight tummy since!! 
I think it is just a part of being pregnant for some of us... along with all the other niggles and pains!
Take care, baby will be in your arms soon, and your tummy will be nice and wobbly for a few weeks!
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