BH or proper contractions?

[swmum]

Just a quick question and wondered if anyone could help. Lots of very regular bh - i.e. tummy feels like a brick - but no pain. Is that a sign of things kicking off? 39 weeks tomorrow. Just wondering if anyone else had the same? Is that what contractions feel like? Clueless first timer here!
Thanks

[lulumama]

painless usually means BH

but certainly a sign that your body is getting ready for the big day

labour contractions are differnt, they are regular, get closer together, do not stop if you move/ lie down ,get a rhythm of their own, get more intense, as they get stronger you need to concentrate and go into yourself...

[swmum]

Thanks Lulumama - you always answer my questions and I really appreciate it. Think they are bh but getting such a lot of them that I'm taking it as sign things are on the move! Thank goodness! Bored of waiting for this baby!

[lulumama]

no worries! this is what i would do:

have a bath, and an early night. or rest. do not stay up for hours waiting, your body will soon let you know if this is 'it' or not

if this is 'it', then you will definitely need the rest

when you are in early labour, best thing to do is ignore it ! eat and drink as you need to, light, but nourishing food, go to the loo as necessary, and try not to concentrate on it

once labour needs oyur attention you will know!

take it easy x

[whomovedmychocolate]

swmum - braxton hicks are fantastic because the more practice your uterus has, the less actual real contractions it has to do to push the baby out. Allegedly.

However just so you know, second time round, they flipping hurt and start earlier (mine at 14 weeks this time). So this baby had better just shoot out in one contraction once I get into labour or else.

[BetsyBoop]

Sounds like BH

(my m/w first time round said if you were in doubt then they not contractions & she was right!)

Try a big glass of water (but not just before bedtime...) as my BH were always worse if I was a bit dehydrated.