Stomach hardening at 40 weeks

[elliespittles]

I'm 39 weeks and 5 days pregnant with my first baby.
Recently I have been having a lot of tightenings in my stomach, and also my stomach going rock hard for about 30 seconds, and then will go back to normal, and then a few minutes later, will go rock hard again.
Baby is moving as normal, but just wondering if this is normal or if this means labour is on the way, as not sure to expect?

Thanks!

Have you had Braxton Hicks contractions before?

I'm only 37+3 and this has been happening for quite a few days now. Got really excited baby might be coming early but have read that this can happen for weeks before baby comes 😔

I don't think I have had braxton hicks, well at least that I am aware of. I had some tightenings about 38 week, but only lasted a couple of days, so guess this could have been braxton hicks? The stomach going hard has only been for about 3 or 4 days, so wasn't sure if this was a sign that labour is near.

Braxton Hicks.

My Braxtin hicks were like this. Not painful at all, but my belly would go rock hard, and I would go lightheaded. I had this for maybe 5 days before I went into labour. Wishing you all the best!

Brixton Hicks. I got them from about 17/18 weeks onwards.

That's Braxton Hicks.

Ah thank you all so much!
Hopefully it isn't much longer until the real thing!