Just wondering if many people have had painful Braxton Hicks contractions. I have been having braxton hicks for quite sometime but last night they got real painful like a period type cramping feeling.

My belly would tighten and i would get a cramp and then when the tightening went away so did the cramping, this happened for about 4 hours. I had a hot shower and it seemed to slow down after that.

Are they painful Braxton Hicks or could they be something else getting my body ready for labour?