Braxton Hicks or contractions?

In the days or weeks before labor, Braxton Hicks contractions may intermittently become rhythmic, relatively close together, and even painful, possibly fooling you into thinking you're in labor. But unlike true labor, during this so-called false labor the contractions don't grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together.

To help with BH contractions:

Change your activity or position. Sometimes walking provides relief. At other times, resting eases contractions. (True labor contractions, on the other hand, will persist and progress regardless of what you do.)

Take a warm bath to help your body relax.

Try drinking a couple of glasses of water, since these contractions can sometimes be brought on by dehydration.

Try relaxation exercises or slow, deep breathing. This won't stop the Braxton Hicks contractions, but it may help you cope with the discomfort.

Call your caregiver right away if you haven't reached 37 weeks and your contractions are becoming more frequent, rhythmic, or painful, or if you have any of these possible signs of preterm labor:

Abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramping, or more than four contractions in one hour (even if they don't hurt)

Any vaginal bleeding or spotting

An increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge — if it becomes watery, mucusy, or bloody (even if it's only pink or blood-tinged)

More pressure in the pelvic area (a feeling that your baby's pushing down)

Low back pain, especially if it's dull or rhythmic, or you didn't previously have back pain

Labor and BH are very different.. real contractions are timeable, painful, get closer, get longer, get stronger, and wont go away with any of the methods mentioned above..

Braxton Hicks are not painful (but can be frequent enough to be annoying!!). They feel like someone pushing the skin from the middle of your belly out to the sides. Often they come on when you're dehydrated.

Extreme pressure doesn't sound like BH. Perhaps ring your hospital to talk to a midwife - she'll be able to ask you all the specific questions...

Best wishes!