Movements or contractions?

[Lalalax3]

I'm 39+2 today and have always had quite a wriggly baby, but in the last 24 hours my bump has almost been seizing up, going quite rigid and I'm not sure if this is because a) my baby is huge and strong now or b) I'm having some sort of contraction. They've been close to taking my breath away, especially this afternoon.

Is it really terrible that I'm not sure exactly what this is? I feel like I should know! Has anybody has this and can you help?

[201418]

Hi it sounds like braxton Hicks. Have u not had this before?

[Lalalax3]

I've had pains that are like sharp period pains, but not the tightening before. It really jolted me. Not agony though, so know it's pre-labour stuff rather than the big show itself!

[madamweasel]

If they start to come regularly, like every 15-10 mins and then get more uncomfortable so that, maybe you can't sit still during, and then get more regular then it might be the real thing - my labour only really started getting painful near the end. Good luck

[squizita]

My Braxton hicks are a bit like this (37 weeks). When they happen I can hardly feel baby.
Exciting. .. maybe as it is so intense you'll be meeting your baby soon!

[Lalalax3]

I'd love to meet him soon! I feel really sick today and cannot get comfortable AT ALL (not even on the birth ball).

[Droflove]

Sounds like braxton hicks, but my huge braxton hicks at the end of my last pregnancy led to broken waters that night and contractions starting the following day. So it could be the start for you.