Braxton hicks or early contractions?

[knackered76]

How do you know the difference? I am 40+5 and have been having 'tightenings' for the past couple of days. I was in hospital today for monitoring and the mw said it looks as though things are getting going because of these but how do you know? I didn't have braxton hicks with my other 2 so have no idea of the difference!

I had loads leading up to labour properly starting with ds2. Went on for days and drove me crazy as I kept waiting for them to get more intense etc. Wondered at one point if I was in labour and I just was getting very painless contractions. No such luck and ey did eventuallyt get painful and full on contactions, so i guess they can go on for days first. Sorry. I guess pain was the main difference for me.

Sorry to hijack but I was wondering the same thing!

Has anyone had tightenings at the very bottom of the bump? - I've had these the past few days and they are very uncomfortable - squeezes the bladder more! I also get braxton hicks and they feel different...

Bump....

Hi,

I'm almost 39 weeks and have over last week I also have been having tightenings and pains at the very bottom of my bump; I then get shooting pains down my fanjo (sorry tmi ), bump is solid and yes I feel I need to spend a pound, nevermind a penny, lol - it is quite uncomfortable for a few seconds and then goes off again, although bump stays solid for about a minute or so. Mentioned this to midwife and she said these were definitely braxton hicks. xx