At 38 wks how can you tell the difference between a tummyache and a contaction? My stomach always feels hard.?

Question

Also, did heartburn play a factor in your last few days of pregnancy? I couldn't move it hurt so bad this morning.

Answer 1

I'm 38 weeks and I'm having lots of braxton hicks where my stomach goes hard for about 1 minute.
Braxton hicks come and go and they don't hurt or get worse like real contractions.

And I had really bad heartburn last pregnancy, but this time surprisingly I'm fine!

Answer 2

Even in early labor I could only tell contractions because I could feel how hard my abdomen was from the outside, using my hands. Sometimes it hurt a little or was uncomfortable, but usually just tight. When I was finally in the hospital with contractions 3 minutes apart is when they actually began to feel different.

Answer 3

yes heartburn is a big contributor in my pregnancies(four) my last one was the worse as far as the difference between tummy aches and contractions for me contractions felt very much like when cramps were occuring during my period and when you are truely having them they tend to start out slow and just a bit uncomfortable and work up to lasting 1-2min and like your having bad period cramps and are about 5 min apart your tummy is going to feel very hard since you are getting very close and baby is getting in position good luck and congrats

Answer 4

my heartburn decreased toward the end of the pregnancy, but everyone is different. Labor is regular, rythmic contractions. they may be painless at first, but they will soon be uncomfortable. Time your contractions, if they are irregular you are just having braxton hicks. Labor will come in time, and yoyu will not be able to miss is, believe me!!

Answer 5

The funny thing about contractions is your tummy gets hard during the contraction, but loosens up when the contraction is done.