Abdominal cramps across bump?

[Babysealion]

I don't really know how to explain it but since last night I've periodically been getting cramp-like pains (almost like there's a muscle seizing up or tightening) across my bump. It's not in any way like menstrual cramps, nor is it lower down where period pains usually are. It's right across the middle of bump!
Im 26+2. Have also been going to the toilet a lot more frequently (not going for a wee, the one ) and urgently needing to go. It feels almost like when you have diarrhoea or a stomach bug except without the diarrhoea. Can anyone help?

I think you should call your labour wArd as that sounds potentially like contractions. You are early for braxton hicks and they don't hurt although the tightening is the same. Give them a ring for advice....

Oh god really? It's not really been bothering me as much tonight but thought I'd best ask for advice. Bit worried now.

It sounds like what I've had for the last 10 weeks or so (32 weeks now)... and it is most likely Braxton Hicks. You can have these from 20 weeks I believe. My bump tightens and goes very hard - and although many people describe BH as 'not painful' I have found that they have caused me a lot of discomfort. My midwife has suggested I've been overdoing it as I'm also getting back pain and pain on the lower part of my bump periodically so have been told to rest. I'm also going to the toilet more, but I think this may be down to changes in hormones again, or a bug, rather than anything else.

I've been told to rest and to call the hospital if the symptoms don't subside in a week. If you're at all worried though you should call them anyway... they may want to monitor you just to make sure it is nothing more serious and it is worth speaking to someone if you're concerned.

Thanks Twicky. They're seemingly random 'tightenings', baby is still moving around loads as well. It's mainly when I'm walking or standing - not felt it while resting or sitting yet so I'm trying not to get too worried. I do a job where I stand on my feet 8 hours a day so could be that. Have IBS as well so wondering if my bowels are flaring up from that.

Do give your MW a ring if you're concerned. I've had BH since about 20 weeks, and believe me sometimes they can hurt a bit! It worried me a lot as soooo many people say they don't, my midwife gave me this face and said well of course sometimes they hurt, they're practice contractions, told me off for believing things I read online as gospel and sent me on my way with instructions to have some paracetamol and a warm bath.

It sounds like Bh, you get them from about 12 weeks but it's not until later in your pregnancy when your bigger that you start to feel them obviously it depends on the person on how early you feel them, also text booksays they are not meant to be painful but can be uncomfortable, but being on dc5 I can tell you they can be painful, mine have been a few times.
I will also second other people on here, if your at all worried go get checked out. It's better to be seen and be sure nothings wrong. X x

Sounds like BH. I am 30+3 and started getting BH at 25weeks. I would contact your MW or labour Ward if you want reassurance. Still get BH now..

You get BH all the way through pregnancy although many people don't notice them until towards the end. I've had painful BH in both my pregnancies and I don't think it's particularly uncommon for them to be painful. I think LadyMadea's comment is quite alarmist but still probably best to get checked out if you're worried.