How to tell the difference?

Question

How do you know if stomach tightness is Braxton contractions or just the baby moving around? My stomach tightens at the very top and sometimes feel the baby move when it happens. Im not sure if its Braxton contractions or just the baby moving and stretching. No pain just pressure.

Answer

I’ve wondered this too. I read something that said Braxton Hicks could feel like baby was balling up real tight and you became uncomfortable. I’ve had that happen a lot, but really thought it was just the baby tightening up. Now I’m not real sure.

Answer

I have period like cramps and I can slightly feel the top of my uterus tighten around baby they’re never painful enough for me to consider them an actual contraction

Answer

I think most people's experience is that BHCs are not painful and I would agree. But as I've gotten further into the third trimester they are certainly more uncomfortable. The way I've started to be able to better distinguish them from baby is that my entire uterus tightens (usually visibly) rather than a localized ball. And the muscle feels like it's pulling in but also down (the downward feeling is a recent development for me). They've gotten pretty intense but still not painful.

How to tell the difference?

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