Reasons for contractions that are 2-3 minutes apart & last hours & are painful, but not dehydrated at 23 weeks pregnant? my ob doesn't know why i'm contracting.

They may be normal: The uterus often contracts-it is a muscular structure. The key is knowing if your cervix changes because of the contractions;if not, this may not be concerning but it bears frequent checks.

Maybe Braxton-Hicks?: If your cervix is not dilating, these may be bh contractions. They are generally irregular, short in duration, and not painful. They tend to be more easily recognized by women who have had babies before. They may be uncomfortable at times. The most important things is to make sure you are not in preterm labor.