What does a contraction and a BH contraction feel like?

Question

i am 31 weeks and 2 days along i woke up this morning to my stomach tightening about 3 times is that a braxton hicks contraction? also the other night i was in the store and my abdomen tighened and i got a bad cramp for about a min and then nothing which is a braxton hicks contraction or are they are not contractions at all??? what does a contraction feel like this is my first pregnancy

i am going every 2 weeks now... i know ill know when the real thing comes but just wondering if these are braxton hicks contractions ive been feeling every so often since i have no idea what its supposed to feel like

Answer 1

sometimes it's hard to tell a Braxton-Hicks from a "real" contraction. The best thing is to phone your doctor and let him/her tell you what to expect, since they know you and your situation

Answer 2

"Real" contractions will continue and strengthen, and eventually get to the point that you cannot talk during them, if they're regular and spaced about 5-8 minutes apart (whatever your doc has told you)...that's when you get to the hospital. Braxton Hicks will come and go, and won't really develop into something. They may even be "regular" for an hour or so (usually in the middle of the night), and then quit for no reason. I promise, once you're really in labor, you'll know!!! ;-) My doc told me the more BH contractions you have, the easier labor is for you, since they do serve the purpose to "warm up" your uterus. But they are a pitb (literally and figuratively!) And yes, it sounds like you've had some BH contractions. If in doubt, ALWAYS call the doctor, trust me, they're used to getting middle of the night phone calls!! Congrats on the impending arrival! Good luck!

Answer 3

If you were really having it bad, you wouldn't be on the computer. But, I've also heard of women who were in labor and didn't know it.It feels like your stomach is tightening up on you, and you have no control, the contractions come at their own pace. (You're not near to that point yet. What it could be is that baby growing, and so are you! It's hard to relax when it's the first, but your baby is going to start growing at a fast rate now!

Answer 4

Looking back, I'd say they "felt" the same to me. The difference was that the BH never developed a pattern and would eventually go away. The real thing fell into a pattern and got closer and closer and more intense ... and they did not go away.

Answer 5

BH are not that painful and they dont push the baby down.Real contractions are painful ,open the vaginal wall wide and push down the child.Enema ,motion or urination generally end BH.

Answer 6

You will know when the real thing comes. Since you are so far along ask your docter at your next appointment you should be about every two week visit.