Hi Julesy
Braxton Hicks contractions can feel different for different women, in theory they are supposed to be non painful tightenings across the belly, but that is not always the case some women do find them to be quite uncomfortable, the difference with braxton hicks and proper contractions is that braxton hicks have no regular pattern and do not increase in intensity, we tell women who ring up thinking they are having contractions to have a warm bath, take 2 panadol if they find them uncomfortable and use a heat pack and lay down, if they try all this and the pains are still quite uncomfortable they can come in to be assessed, most of the time the pains settle and when they experience these pains next time they know what they are, some women find them more noticeable
in subsequent pregnancies.
I am sure the person who said that Braxton Hicks contractions were painless must of been a man who has no idea LOL
Personally I thought they felt like someone had put a belt around my belly and they were pulling it tight, I didnt find them painful but I did notice them more with more 2nd and third pregnancy.
I hope this has helped in some way