Braxton Hicks or Contractions?

For me it was painfully obvious. I lost my mucus plug and started having contractions that night. Was in latent labour for 4 days and the first 2 my partner kept saying I wasn't in labour but I could tell I was

Absolutely will be painfully obvious!🤍

For me my braxton hicks were never painful, I could only tightenings. Contractions have been the tightenings + cramping x

@Calice good to know! My Braxton hicks haven't been painful but they're getting stronger now! Yet to experience any cramping so maybe that'll be the difference!

That was the same for me. They were becoming more frequent and stronger and I then had a sweep which made me instantly start cramping very lightly, those again became more regular and painful as time went on. Currently in early labour 😫 x

I'm 40 weeks +3 days and I've been having what I thought were contractions yesterday really intense period like cramping, then I managed to sleep last night it all stopped and only just now at 6pm it's starting again... So weird hoping it's the beginning 🤞🏼 lost some of the mucus plug yesterday throughout the day and then a big part came away today hoping it will start again tonight but unsure if these are real or Braxton Hicks too 😅

@Megan fingers crossed for you!!

At the very beginning you might not be able to tell it’s contractions as they can start very mild, but the difference will be that they continue to build in intensity and frequency, and you won’t miss it once it’s all happening in earnest. For me I knew once I had to start using my hypnobirthing breathing to get through a contraction and couldn’t focus on anything else. Good luck, hope you have a positive birth experience 😊