What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?

[Anonymous]

I'm 35 weeks pregnant, and the other day as my midwife was measuring my belly, she said, "Oh, you just had a little contraction." To me, it felt like the frequent movements my baby has been making regularly for the last 4 months. I guess I should have asked her how she knew it was a contraction, but in the meantime wanted to ask others out there. I always thought Braxton Hicks contractions would feel like menstrual cramps or lower back pain. Did you have them, and what did they feel like? Were they similar to what you felt when you started having real contractions?

[Anonymous]

I'm also 35 weeks and I get two types of "contractions". I think they'd both be classified as Braxton Hicks. One type is a tightening of my belly all over. They say it feels like the baby is "balling up" and it really does. It lasts under a minute and doesn't really hurt, although it's noticeable enough for me to stop and go "ooh". I usually get them a few times a day.

I also get back cramps that feel like bad menstrual cramps that are some times accompanied with little spasms. I get these much less frequently.

I had a pelvic exam last week (due to baby movement scare at hospital) and my cervix is still completely closed and I'm not effaced at all yet, so whatever these are they're not doing anything yet...

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I am also 35 weeks and have been getting BH for a while. Sometimes it just feels like a small hard ball in the middle of my stomach and sometimes it's hard all over. It really doesn't hurt, but sometimes having a hard bowling ball for a belly can make moving around a little uncomfortable.

They usually go away in not too long. If I sit down, take deep breaths and drink some water, they usually go away pretty fast. If I keep moving around at a fast pace it will get worse.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Okay, maybe I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions for a while without knowing that's what it was. I get that hard feeling in my stomach as well, although I wouldn't say it has been painful. Thanks for the responses and good luck to both of you with your babies!

[Anonymous]

Just for another view, mine also never get painful and nor do they go away if I move positions, lie down, or drink more. They last as long as they want to and I've had them for months without any cervical changes. I think different people have them somewhat differently.

[Anonymous]

BH's feel like your stomach is doing a sit-up all by itself. Sometimes they can be strong enough to be painful.