Are real contractions just cramps or stomach tightening or both?

Question

Ive had a ton of Braxton Hicks so I know what they feel like, but I never thought to ask if contractions feel the same just with pain? I’m having on and off cramping pretty bad but my stomach doesn’t get tight like Braxton Hicks every time. Does that mean they’re not contractions?  Sorry if this doesn’t make sense

Answer

It’s so dumb to say but you definitely know the difference. I had braxton hicks from 29 weeks and the pain was so horrible but labour pain is something definitely something else

Answer

Not too different honestly, but they will get more frequent and painful as time goes on. That’s the difference. If you can time them, they might be real or just super early labor. If they are sporadic and go away after an hour or so, especially with water and rest, they’re just BH.

Answer

Labor pains, for me, were nothing like Braxton Hicks. My stomach did not get hard and my contractions were not timeable (at least to me, a machine was able to time time). Rather, they felt like constant period cramps that got increasingly more painful. I could not feel one contraction stop and the next begin. My stomach did not get hard during labor contractions like it does with Braxton Hicks.

Answer

Labor pain is a lot more distinct. Its like a jolt of electricity almost in your stomach

Answer

The two bottom options are the same

Answer

Even with labor your stomach will tighten, the pain will be different than BH though.

Answer

The biggest difference will be that you can time real labor. Braxton Hicks will be much more inconsistent. 5 min apart then 30 min apart and so on. Real labor will more consistent. Like 20 min apart then 18 then 15 and so on. Maybe not in those increments, but you get the idea!
Good luck momma!

Answer

I don’t think anyone can mistake labour! My braxton Hicks got quite painful with both my kids but real contractions are sooo much worse

Are real contractions just cramps or stomach tightening or both?

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey