A few pregnancy questions.

Melissssssssa
What do Braxton hicks feel like? I'm 26 weeks as of today and the last couple days I've been feeling some not so feel good pains. I'm not sure if I should call them cramps but that's what they feel like, period cramps. Like a sensation in my pelvic area and shots of pain in my vagina. Also like a round type of pain from my back to my lower abdomen. Which are probably round ligament pains. I'm just curious as to what pains are normal in these weeks. 
Also another question, it's a old wives tale but what do you all think about the wives tale where they say you shouldn't raise your hands over your head? For the umbilical cord? Lol.