Question - Braxton Hicks

[~*Leanne*~]

this is going to sound soooooooooooooooo thick BUT what exactly are Braxton Hicks? are they pains? what do they feel like? i thought i better ask so i can look out for them

 

[xjdx]

i was always told its a taste of what contractions are like by my midwife in my last pregnancy. I did feel tightnings like twinges a few days before i had him but believe me they were nothing like my contractions , its not a great explanation there are clever ladys on here who can tell u lol x x

 

[Spritzer]

mines are periody crampy twingy pains that make you wonder if your in very early labour.............then STOP!

they also make your bump go all hard and funny

 

[Tracey S]

I think I have been having Braxton Hicks for the last few days. i dont really feel any pain, but my whole bump goes really hard and it feels tight. I have been having some really light pains but nothing that stops me in my tracks.

Maybe the ladies who are further on can shed some light on this?

Tracey xx

 

[chickadee1976]

Butting in but i think ive been having them for about 4 weeks.
My tummy goes solid and its quite painful.

 

[pie&twink]

I've had them from 18 weeks this time, mine are just like your tummy tightening, they aren't painful really just uncomfortable when tight, then fine again when they pass - usually no more than 30 seconds long with me.

 

[Fly]

I've been feelin them for quite a few weeks but i'd say the last 2 or 3 weeks they been takin my breath away a bit - especially if i am out walking... my belly goes really tight and hard and if i'm stood up or walking i have to lean on something or put my hands on my knees cos i'm finding i wanna breathe through them cos otherwise i clench up n it makes them hurt

 

[Chrissy1]

I've been having them for ages now and praticularly when I lie on my back......to me they aren't painful at all it's just my tummy goes very hard and at first I thought it was the baby pushing forward to the front of my tummy and was about to burst out like some wierd alien scene

They usually last about 15 - 30 seconds and then go again. I've been getting a few period pains too recently but luckily the two have never co-incided