Braxton Hicks or real contractions?

[Maryam18]

I'm currently 39+4 and have had a rock hard tummy most of the day and I have been feeling tightening in my tummy where my bump goes rock solid every 15-20 minutes or so. I can't feel any type of pain, just a tightening feeling.

I haven't felt anything like this for the whole pregnancy and not even sure if I've ever even had Braxton Hicks. First time mum so not sure what's going on. No other symptoms and feel fine.

Do Braxton Hicks occur this often or could it be early labour? My DH is using a contraction timer and estimates intervals are every 7 minutes lasting for 60 seconds.

It sounds like Braxton Hicks. It could be that you’ve never had them before or that they weren’t so long or frequent so you didn’t notice them. From recollection proper contractions don’t make your tummy go hard!

I’m 35w and am having about 5 BH an hour lasting about a minute which my Dr said is normal.

Sounds like Braxton Hicks to me too. I never had them in my first pregnancy but have been having them regularly since about 30 weeks this time. I only ever remember the pain that came with my contractions last time so unless they are painful, I would say they aren't contractions.

Thank you both! I haven't felt any Braxton Hicks before so I'm guessing this must be it then. It puts my mind at ease to get some sleep now!