Braxton hicks vs Contractions

[mommy_again23]

I'm not a first time mom, but labor with my son was everything a ftm could hope for. Lol it was totally easy and I leaked water and got my epidural before contractions even began, I was really lucky but now im sure I won't be that lucky and I have no idea what to expect. Call me crazy but I feel like I was jipped of labor, I wanted to know the whole nine yards. Im only 22wks so I read I should begin to feel Braxton hicks soon. What is the difference? I always hear menstrual cramps, but those are just like a dull belly or back ache. So please give me your best description of both Braxton hicks and actual labor contractions!

[mommy_again23]

So sounds like I will definitely know when I am having them right? Like it isn't a feeling I could just brush off as gas or something?  

[Chevi93]

I started feeling bhc around 23-24 Weeks. For me they dont hurt. my stomach tightens up and starts to feel really heavy and  I just sit down or stand still. If I move through them they hurt. Lately they come like 5-8 times a day and some are more intense and some last longer.

[mommy_again23]

Wow sounds intense, I guess everybody is different is really the only logical answer! Guess I'll have to wait, thanks ladies (:

[AnnaLynn90]

Before I got pregnant my period cramps were really intense. They were to the point I am in a fetal position in tears. And my bh contractions are almost to that point. They are in my lower back and my lower stomach. They stop me in my tracks. My tummy gets hard. And it lasts like 3 min. Where as actual contractions I was told that they are more frequent then that and they hurt worse. But there are those people who don't get the painful ones. For me it has been really hard to keep track as to how long and how often they come. So I waot till I start to hurt randomly

[marieortiz]

I started having contractions @ 25 weeks and I would feel them coming from my back to the front of my belly and they would get stronger , im not 35 weeks and I feel Braxton hicks once in a while they're not as strong as menstrual cramps and they also do not increase in pain