contractions or braxton hicks?

[amanda5113]

hi. im 36 weeks pregnant as of today and since about 10 pm lastnight i have been having some slight cramping and contractions. im not sure if they are braxton hicks or not. it doesnt matter if im resting or walking or what im doing they hit and it hurts. my whole stomach get really tight and i cramp even worse. i can barely move when its happening so i cant see if changing positions makes it better or not. i also feel like my bladdder is really full and i got to go when it happens. the ones i have tryed timing last about 60 seconds, give or take. they arent regular as far as i have notcied but in the last 4 hours i have had about 4. i was in for an o.b appointment two days ago and i wasnt dialated and im only effaced 10%. im really confused and cant figure out if im starting labor or just having strong braxton hicks. help please?

[Shelz90]

hi. Im 22 weeks with my second. I also had braxton hicks on my first, as bad as they are believe me you'll know when real labour starts. There will be no doubt in your mind.

[sorenr]

I would say its maybe strong braxton hicks, if theres not a proper pattern and theyre not growing in intensity then its probably not labour. I spent at least a couple of weeks before my son was born, every night with loads of contractions thinking that was it...I only ended up exhausted and when labour did start for real it was a lightbulb moment, you really will know when it has started x