Braxton Hicks vs. "real" contractions....?

[justKate]

So let me start with this: I'm not really worried, just curious about what I'm feeling because its new, despite this being my second pg.

I'm nearly 30 weeks, and every evening around 5:30 or 6:00, I'm feeling what must be some sort of contractions, pretty much until I go to bed.  I mean, I should know what contrax feel like, but during DD's labor I only had pain in my back, and I never felt Braxton Hicks during my pregnancy with her.  Nothing at all up front.

So when my belly tightens all over to the point that I have to stop what I'm doing and take a deep breath--is that still Braxton Hicks?  They aren't regular/time-able and seem to come and go.

And why is it only in the evening?  Throughout the day I feel my uterus tighten (like with my hand), but it isn't painful and doesn't necessarily get my attention.  This is more than that.

My DD was full term and I can't think of any reason that I'd be at risk for pre-term labor.

Anyway, I know I need to talk to my HCP, which I'll do at my next appt on 2/2, but for now I'm curious.  Any thoughts?  TIA!

[1blueheron]

I'm almost 39 weeks, and have had strong BH contractions in the late afternoon/early evening for the past couple of months.  I took it as a sign that I needed to hydrate and rest (instead of starting to cook dinner just as they were coming on!).  When I do that they go away.  Good luck!

[mambera]

I had very intense, painful BH for the last 1-2 months of both pregnancies.  Worse in the evening I think.  Both babies went to term, and both times, the start of real labor was marked by the pain moving into my back.

Talk to your HCP but I wouldn't necessarily be worried.

[justKate]

That's sort of what I was thinking.  I'm really hoping to avoid the back labor this time around though!