Peter Andre’s pregnant wife Emily reveals she’s experiencing ‘uncomfortable contractions’ as she prepares to give birth
PETER Andre's heavily pregnant wife Emily has returned to Instagram after he shared a clip of her experiencing Braxton-Hicks.
The couple are expecting their third child any day now and Peter, 51, posted the clip of Emily showing the very early signs of labour.
Doctor Emily is well into her final trimester.
She revealed she is having the minor contractions regularly and explained that they are normal, and not always a sign of labour.
The 34-year-old told fans in a video: "After Pete posted a video of me having a Braxton-Hicks contractions last week, I thought it was a good chance to share some more information about what they are and simple things you can do to help.
"So they are where the womb contracts and relaxes and not everyone has them in pregnancy.
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"If you do have them they are a normal part of pregnancy and they tend to occur later on.
"So for me I've certainly have had a lot of Braxton Hicks and they catch me out when I'm least expecting it."
The star continued: "It does vary from pregnancy, typically you'd expect them not to be painful, but uncomfortable.
"Certainly for me it feels like my body turns into a football when it happens."
She also explained how to know the difference between Braxton-Hicks and labour.
Emily said: "The key things to look out for are, if they are random, infrequent and irregular; they wouldn't increase in intensity."
"Remember, always contact your midwife or maternity unit for advice if you are not sure whether you are having Braxton Hicks or labour contractions.
"If you have any vaginal bleeding, your waters break, you have strong/painful contractions every five minutes that last 30-60 seconds, or you have any concerns about your baby’s movements."
Emily and Peter announced they were expecting their third child together back in October last year.
The pair already have son Theo, eight, and Amelia, 10.
Peter, who topped the UK charts with hits Flava, I Feel You and Mysterious Girl in the 90s, also shares two kids with ex-wife Katie Price, son Junior, 18, and 16-year-old Princess.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions and what do they feel like?
Braxton Hicks - regularly called practice contractions - are perfectly normal during pregnancy.
While you are expecting you might notice your tummy becoming hard and experience period-like cramps, this is what Braxton Hicks are.
But don't worry, they are completely normal and are not a sign you are going into labour.
In fact, they can start around the middle of your pregnancy and many women may not even feel them at all.
They are caused by the tightening of the muscles in the uterus.
It is not clear why they happen, but most doctors believe it is the womb preparing itself for labour.
The cramps may feel similar to the cramps you get when you have your period.
You will also notice your tummy becomes firm when the muscles contract.
THE KEY SIGNS OF EARLY LABOUR
When you are about to go into labour there are a few things you might notice.
These signs can start from up to a week before you actually have your baby.
Here's what to look out for:
- your producing more vaginal discharge than normal
- you pass your mucus plug- the clump of mucus your body produces to seal the cervix shut when you're expecting - this is known as the show
- feeling unusually energetic
- frequent Braxton Hicks
- an ache in your lower back
You shouldn't need to go to hospital until you have contractions every five minutes or so.
But if you are worried about anything you should speak to your midwife.