How to know it’s a contraction?

Question

I’m really scared that I wont know if I’m having contractions? I know it sounds ridiculous because they are supposed to be painful but I am having sensations of tightness in my stomach pretty regularly today but they don’t hurt. Can’t tell if it’s just the baby moving around...I was 3 cm/70% at my last appt last Tuesday. I’m so nervous 😬!! FTM

Answer

I was the same so worried I wouldn’t know because I had so many braxton hicks and pains in my final trimester.
If it’s just a tightening then it’s braxton hicks.
When I had a contraction at the start it was the tightening and then a small pain wrapped around my lower tummy and back.
I thought it was a contraction but was unsure at first, but they kept coming randomly throughout the day
And they obviously got more intense obviously so I knew it was the real deal

Answer

you’ll know when they’re real.

Answer

Tightness without pain is most likely a braxton hicks.  I knew it was real when those picked up in consistency and intensity

Answer

Trust me, you'll know. They're like ocean waves that get bigger and stronger.