Braxton Hicks or the start of labour?

[bettieblue]

I'm 39+5 and had my show this morning. Since 5am I have had regular period like cramps. I have no idea what braxton hicks feel like, are the pains likely to be be that? (The cramps don't last very long but are uncomfortable enough to stop what im doing and breath through them) Im assuming a contraction feels different to the cramps im getting? I know i can have days of experiencing cramps but how do you know you are actually in labour?

I read a post in the last few days where someone asked the same question-I have tried searching for it but can't find it. If someone could send me a link or answer as im feeling a bit anxious.Many Thanks.

Ooh exciting!

How far apart are the cramps and how long do they last? Braxton Hicks IME, tend to be less regular.

They have been as short as 7 mins, but the last one was 15 mins so im a bit confused! I haven't been timing the duration but fairly short.

This exactly how my labour started. "period pains" strong enough to stop me in my tracks....

I would try to eat something and get some rest. A warm bath can help. I would say you are on your way, but it could take some time yet.

Sounds like mine then, that went of for three days although not continuously thankfully! Show happened on the third day though. Good luck and get that bag packed.

When I had those it started on the Monday, (midwife said I was "niggling" though the pains did get rather unpleasant) and DS was born on the Friday. It sounds like the early stages to me, but dont bank on it taking days, it could happen much faster for you! I would keep busy, or alternatively sleep if you can ;) but call your support network if you need someone to take care of other children, or your partner if he or she is at work etc just to warn them it may be about to all start :)

Hello - was it my thread here?

Braxton Hicks feel like your whole bump has gone really hard. And they don't hurt. If you are getting feelings which hurt I think they are probably contractions of early labour. Definitely if you have to breathe through them. As you can see from my thread, I was still wondering if they were BHs or contractions at 10:30am (despite the fact that I had to breathe, sway, get the TENS on etc) and my baby was born two hours later at 12:40pm! I think I was in denial...

Hopefully you might be having your LO right now? .