My belly tenses up sometimes with them and other times I just have intense lower back pain somewhat like menstrual cramps. They aren't painful usually, just kind of annoying! I didn't even know I was having contractions until my doctor told me I was. I'm 32 weeks.
Yes they can feel like bad period cramps. But you shouldn't be having more than 4 every hr if ur not full term. You might be dehydrated. Drink some water and lay down and if it continues call ur Dr.
I'm not feeling the hardness really
I had some in second trimester and they were just like my abdomen getting really hard and tight in places. Balling up or tensing so that it was uncomfortable to stand straight. Not exactly pain but discomfort. Usually the right side of my abdomen. Sometimes the center or lower part. I could touch my belly and feel the hardness.