Braxton Hicks - what do they feel like?

[Buttercup53]

As the title says really - how do you know a feeling is Braxton Hicks? Im 21 weeks and I’m getting a cramping feeling like period pains on and off. No other symptoms, no blood or unusual discharge, but it’s really quite uncomfortable, started about 40 mins ago and it’s on and off. It feels the same as when I’m on my period, and I usually tackle it with a heat sack. I’ve tried to contact my midwife but no luck, if I call 111 I can guarantee as soon as I say the word ‘pregnant’ they’ll send me to a&e, so if this sounds like Braxton Hicks to someone more experienced (this is my first pregnancy) id appreciate the guidance as I’ve probaby rang 111 about 6 times already this pregnancy and I don’t want putting on a list!

They can be painful. Your whole stomach goes rock solid while having them as your stomach contracts. That's all I can remember sorry. I used to get them every time I went to Morrison's in the last few weeks of my pregnancy. I remember having to stand still in the aisle and hold on to one of the shelves

My midwife mentioned to me a few weeks ago that some essential oils can cause contractions as she was on our way out of our house and checked what was in our diffuser, it was one that caused contractions and id been having similar pains for about an hour before.

Have you done anything that could have brought them on or did they come randomly? Can you feel baby moving? Count your kicks and the time between pains

It’s the first time it’s happened, and it happened when I got out of the shower into the very cold bathroom. I’d also eaten a really big lunch, I don’t know if either of those things can cause it. It’s stopped now, my hips ache but they ache all the time now. I’m not getting consistent enough kicks yet to count them, he kicked a few times when I was getting the cramps, and he was kicking quite a bit about an hour before this started. As the pain has faded I’ll keep an eye on it and call 111 if it happens again tonight... I have quite bad IBS so there’s been 2 occasions I’ve been into a&e this pregnancy with pains and cramps being worried, and it’s literally just been the IBS. Scan last week also indicated everything was fine and that he’s quite big, my uterus has stretched quite a lot now. Thanks for your feedback, I really appreciate it.

Your stomach goes really hard and tight. I’m 36 weeks and have to stop what I’m doing!

Ive had period style cramps on and off since about 23 weeks. They don’t feel extreme, just uncomfortable. I’m not sure why I have them or what they are but I’m 25 weeks now and have found that they tend to occur in the morning. Nevertheless, I have no idea if this is similar to what you’re experiencing OP, just thought I’d share in case it helps.