Braxton Hicks or movement?

[thegirlwhouk]

Probably a silly question, but....

I'm 31 weeks pregnant. Have been having what I assume are braxton hicks for the past 3/4 weeks. On and off. Some days more than others. My bump goes v hard and a funny shape. They don't hurt but aren't comfortable. I find rubbing my stomach or moving gets rid of them. They usually happen when I'm lying or sitting down. Those are braxton hicks, right?

Recently though the baby's movement has changed a bit (as he gets less room I assume) and I have more tossing and turning rather than kicks and punches. I'm finding it hard to distinguish between baby moving and poking his bum out, and these braxton hicks I've been having. He's getting much stronger!!

I'm assuming that when I'm in early labour and having my first proper contractions, I will instinctively know they are the real deal... Will I?

If I know it's either movement or Braxton Hicks, do I just get on with things, or do I need to 'monitor' these in anyway?

My DH works a long way from home and I would hate to miss early signs and not call him early enough!!!

Thanks!! I'm feeling very much like a clueless FTM at the moment!!

[ThursdayLast]

I can't help I'm afraid.
Until the day before I was induced I thought that what I now know were BH was DS frolicking!

At 31 weeks I would think tightenings to be normal, but be sure to look out for other symptoms. Do you have a MW appointment soon?

[ladyflower23]

Hi ya. For me my real contractions started off like period pains low down then as they started to get stronger were like strong period pains that then sort of radiated up my bump. I could definitely tell the dif once they got going!

[thegirlwhouk]

Yeah I've not had any pain so I assume it's nothing major.

Did have a bit earlier but I think that was because I was stuck sitting in the car for 2 hours in a traffic jam!

He's having a proper wriggle today though, something keeps hitting my pelvis bone. I'm hoping he's getting himself into a nice new comfy position!

I have a MW appt tomorrow so I'll make sure I talk to her. Having baby early is my only real worry so I think I'm just anxious about that and overthinking things :-)

[thegirlwhouk]

Glad it's not just me Buggerlugs!

They're becoming more 'alien'. I just can't help wondering what on earth is going on in there!! It's mostly just behind my belly button too which I find the weirdest place to have movement! No idea why...

[TestingTestingWonTooFree]

Your description of BH sounds right to me. I didn't know I was having them until monitored in hospital. I'm guessing that contractions will hurt rather than just bring uncomfortable.