Sharp period pains. Is that Braxton Hicks?

[Rommy'sMummy]

As far as I know BH are not painful. They are really like tightenings all over your bump. My sis had BH for weeks and they ended up getting painful but more like the beginning of a contraction. A sharp pain might be more likely to be ligaments and muscles getting stretched perhaps? Seeing as you are nearly at term it might be related to your hips too??

Hope it eases up for you.

[Ryatha]

I get BH's all the time and generally they aren't painful. I've been told that contractions feel more like sever period pain that comes in waves. Its not much but I hope it helps.

Hope you feel better

[jamakin]

Hi, i had a few BH that where like period pain, but also my contractions in labour where like that to, but came regularly. i think everyones experiance is differant.
all the best x

[blondedoctor]

Joey - I'm a little confused about what BH should feel like too. The last 3 or 4 days I've been getting shallow stabbing pains which last for 5, 10 or 30 minutes and then fade away for a while. I never get period pains so dont really know what they feel like and how to compare. I wish I knew what these pains were. I imagine contractions would be a much 'deeper' pain than this - I keep asking people and they just say "Oh you'll know when you get them". Its driving me nuts hearing that! Maybe it is just stretching? I'm just glad I'm seeing the doc tomorrow so I can ask then.

Do you know if the baby is engaged yet? I wonder if there is a sucession of events, like 1 week after engagement, BH starts or something like that? Sorry I dont really have any answers for you....... I hope you are feeling okay

[kitten76]

Joey, The pain your probably experiencing is the baby pushing on your cervix. At this late stage when the head drops into the pelvis ,the babys head movements can irritate your cervix causing these sharp short pains. This is all normal and a good sign that your bub is where he/she should be.Contractions dont start that painful its more a gradual build up ,and for me a LOT of pressure.They will also leave you breathless and unable to walk.
Braxton hicks are like the same feelings when the baby pushes hard from within, but the baby isnt causing the hardness by pushing . God , did that just make any sense. This is how it is for me anyway. others may have different experiences.
Hope I was of some help and didnt confuse you too much.