what is this?

for the last 4 weeks i have been experiencing tightenings around my abdomen.. it happens unexpected and randomly. there is no pain involved with it.. just a really tight feeling and then a release.. could it be braxton hicks? I was under the impression that braxton hicks hurt... also when it happens my abdomen appears to be harder than usual.. is this something i should be concerned about???

sounds like bh to me... many ppl say they are painless....

Definately braxton hicks. i had painless ones like you are describing for most of the third tri, thye only got painful the morning i went into labour at 41 weeks. Its a great sign that your body is getting some practice in for the big day!

Hi Sirenz
It is Braxton Hicks. Braxton Hicks can often be painless and you may just notice your tummy getting tight. Sometimes you may also feel a slight cramping pain. However Braxton hicks can also be quite painful for some women, the pain can be bad enough to stop you walking/talking and doing what ever it was you were doing

Hi,

I had BH with my son, quite early on at about 20wks or so. Specialist said it was just the uterus contracting and practising if you like.. mine were very painful, as in having to sit down at Wynyard station to catch my breath... all good, I think you either have them or you don't..

ok thanks everyone.. i was just worried because i didn't think i would experience this so early.. considering it all started at least 4 weeks ago.. will real contractions feel like this but obviously a lot more pain? just wondering if it would be kind of the same sensation.

I've started feeling BH about a week ago and it's just the tightening and release sensation and I'm 20 weeks today.

Hi Sirenz

I had my first BH at 16 weeks - it hurt. I felt them every now and then until about 36 weeks when they got a little more regular but didn't hurt at all.