What do braxton hicks feel like? Is it like period pain?

[Millie26]

A couple of times a day I get period type pain and backache (am 34wks) that lasts for a couple of minutes.

It says on various websites that BH should feel like a 'tightening' and to call midwife if you get cramps but surely contractions are cramps?

Would love to know how you would describe them?

[12StoneNeedsToBe10]

Hmmm, how to put it into words.

I didn't see them as period type pains at all (not that low down IKSWIM), more the uterus wall itself contracting - REALLY bloody tightly, and belly becoming hard. It was quite painful on occasion but only lasted a couple of seconds or so.

[HensMum]

Mine did feel like a tightening. At first I didn't even feel them but if I put my hand on my belly I could feel the muscles contract and go hard - do you feel that? They didn't hurt, but sometimes could be quiet intense if that makes any sense at all. Not really like period pains, not a crampy feeling.
Talk to your midwife if you're worried, that's what they're there for.

[12StoneNeedsToBe10]

or even iYSWIM

[PinkTulips]

BH are when you bump goes all hard and solid and you feel like a sheet has been wrapped around it and pulled tight

mild contractions feel like period pain.

go see your MW

[Millie26]

Thank you. I cant feel muscles tightening although baby is moving around lots so difficult to feel anything but her wriggling

Am seeing mw tomorrow morning so maybe will just mention it then but my tummy is hurting quite a lot and feels just like period pain.

[Deaconwood]

Mine definitely feel like tightening - everything seems to go rock hard for a few seconds and it can feel quite uncomfortable (although not actually painful as such). It's always enough to make me have to stop what I'm doing for a few moments, so you'd probably notice them.

[HeftyMutha]

Mine seem to come on if I go from somewhere warm to somewhere colder (e.g. getting out of bed, going outside), or if I'm just more active (walking along).

It's like a tightening, hardening of the entire bump. When I get one I also get a sudden urge to have a wee (sorry, TMI!)

[piratecat]

periody-more light mild contractions.

braxton hicks, not painful, not like period pain, like someone blowing up your belly from inside, and your bump goes rock hard, and sorta takes your breath away.

i had painful tightenings at 38 weeks, each time lasting on and off up to an hour or two.

eac time i thought it was 'it'!! ddidn't have her till 41 weeks.