Braxton Hicks explained to me by an experienced maternity nurse.

I see a lot of people asking what are Braxton Hicks? Am I feeling one? I thought I knew what they felt like based on the descriptions I've read on this community board but boy was I wrong. First I'll start by explaining what BH is. Your uterus is a muscle that has enlarged to engulf your entire baby. When your entire uterus contracts it presses on your baby like a deflating balloon. BH are practice uterine contractions that only last a few seconds and just like a deflating balloon squeeze on your baby. Ever feel your baby suddenly lump to one side and think to yourself "he just moved to this area feel his butt ect"? You're most likely having a BH. Baby doesn't move by lumping to one side and pressing on your uterus for extended seconds. Baby is free flowing and gives you jabs, waves, tickles. If you feel that sudden lumping of baby, your uterus has most likely contracted, squeezing baby and causing that lump. Hope that helps :)

Disclaimer: this is my recap of what I was told/shown by a maternity nurse. Obviously if you have any questions ask your doc :)