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I had BH all the time starting from around 20 weeks, and they were just uncomfortable because my whole stomach would tighten. When I went into labor, the contractions were very crampy feeling and my stomach didn't tighten the way BH did. If you're laying on your left side and you're feeling them, I would try drinking water and see how you feel. But personally, it sounds like early labor.

It sounds like false/early labor maybe? I had a LOT of BH contractions starting pretty early but I wouldn’t say they were painful – sometimes they were uncomfortable, but not really painful. I also had preterm labor contractions as close as 10 minutes apart, which did hurt (I’d say, like yours they were about a 4 on a scale of 1-10), but then they would go away completely after about an hour or so. My OB said it was my body starting to “get ready” – although nothing ever came of them, even at 40+2!

For me, BH didn't really hurt...they were more uncomfortable. But yest, my whole belly would get rock hard. Contractions felt like bad period cramps and first, and then got SUPER painful (definitely different from BHs). I would see if the tightening is timeable--for me, my BHs would come and go randomly. Either way, you're so close to the end that anything is possible! Almost there, woo hoo!

It also sounds like BH to me.

@PrincessBaby: My BHs got really intense/came way more often in the week before I went into labor. And I don't really remember my stomach tightening during real contractions (although I may very well just not have noticed--had other things to focus on, lol).

Sounds like a contraction, to me, since you say it was painful.

For me, BH were uncomfortable and sometimes took my breath away, but not painful. I had BH from 26 weeks on.

Real contractions for me were my tummy got tight and it was a low pain that started in my uterus and wrapped around to my back and got more and more intense and then got less and less intense (like a crescendo). Felt like someone was like wringing out my uterus.

@PrincessBaby: I didn't have bh or contractions until my last week. I started bh on thursday, he was born saturday.

because you are descibing them as waves that come to a point that's painful, it sounds like you're in very early labor to me... keep an eye on the clock and see if they start to have a rhythm. with my first baby, contractions were erratic and came every 15-20 mins for a while before coming closer together and more regular.

I would keep walking and going about your day if you can... and sit on a birthing ball if you have one. good luck!

@PrincessBaby: Mine also stopped when I was walking or lying down. I seemed to only have them while sitting on the couch.

@PrincessBaby: go for a walk!

@PrincessBaby: I had very strong BH my last couple weeks! I thought I was in labor a couple times. I agree though, they sounds like BH to me.

It sounds cliche, but you will KNOW when it's contractions. I agree with the crescendo/wave feeling. Mine started on the sides of my stomach and I could feel the contraction move and wrap around my belly and then slowly subside. Real contractions will not stop with a change in activity.

I hope your labour is starting!

I've read that a good way to distinguish between very early (prodromal) labour and the "real" thing is that take a warm bath or a nap. If your contractions continue regularly, they're the real thing. If they stall/stop they're likely BH.

Here's a good post that explains it: http://thebirthteacher.blogspot.ca/2008/12/prodromal-labor.html

You won't necessarily have back labor so don't compare to that. This is so exciting, I'll be stalking your posts!

Our childbirth class instructor described contractions as a squeezing feeling that starts in your back and wraps around to your front. *shrug* I've never had them so I can't vouch for it but that's what I'll be looking for!

@PrincessBaby: I think this sounds SO promising!!!

My real contractions definitely felt like a wave like PP. I could feel an obvious high point and a decrease from there

Come on Harper!!! We want to meet you!.