18 weeks and braxton hicks/tightening???

[AdiVic]

Hello - this is my second pregnancy and at night/early am i wake up with a very tight, rock hard, football like stomach which sits to my right side. I never had this with my first until much much later on. I also never had painful BH, just tightening at the very end. I have no pain, bleeding etc, i'm just worried that this is all a bit early for this type of thing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated:) x

BHs can be happen/felt 16wks plus according to my MW. Was having uncoordinated ones at my 12wk scan (basically just a few muscles tightening). I certianly felt them about your time. Might be worth mentioning the lopsidedness to MW at next appointment if bump is permanently right, though this is probably baby's positioning, of wind pushing uterus right slightly.
Oddly, at 37wks they're less detectable to me "every day" than the early ones.
If you develop any kind of rhythm to them however, def contact MW asap.
If they're err, irritating or uncomfy, then try changing position. If walking/on your feet, try lying/sitting. If stationary try walking about...often a change will ease them/stop them.

Thank you:) I hope this isn't a sign of pain, discomfort to come!