Contractions without pain, how do I know when its the real thing?

Question

I am 36 weeks along and have constant hardening of the uterus today, I dont notice this at all unless I feel my own stomach. So I'm worried that if it is real labor I wouldnt be able to "time" the contractions since I dont notice them.

The first few times I noticed these (days ago) I asked my doctor about them... he isnt very helpful, he said contractions are different for everyone, but they are most likely braxton hicks. He also told me that some women come to the hospital smiling, without pain while in active labor... so I'm really unsure how I can be sure its real or if its braxton hicks!

Has anyone heard of women having real contractions and not knowing or noticing? =/

Answer 1

Braxton-hicks, yes.  Most women know when they are the "real deal" because they come regularly, and they are uncomfortable.  They increase in the level of pain, but what you are describing is Braxton-hicks.  (The tightening without pain.)  

Good luck!  It'll be soon now, so try and enjoy your last days of pregnancy!  :)

Answer 2

I've never felt a contraction, and I have two kids.

I knew it was time to call the doc when I lost my mucus plug and went in for a 'check'. I was in labor with my last one and was oblivious to the fact until he told me I was dilated to 1cm.

Answer 3

I had abosolute no pains during labor  with contractions, they had me on the monitor because i had toxemia, edema, and preclampsia, with very high bp , so they induced me for 72 hrs my son did not want to come out, the dr. kept saying you are having serious contractions and not even moving you dont feel them? I was in no pain at all so ya it is diff for everyone. But they ended up having to give me an emergency c-section through my own complications, you should be fine if your dr. is telling you. good luck

Answer 4

I had real ones and didnt notice it at 32 weeks pregnant with my son.  I went in for my weekly check up and complained that i was having a lot of little cramps.  It turns out I was in labor and had to be sent to the hospital to have them stopped.  I was then on meds until I was 36 weeks...the contractions came back..worse...but I had to be induced at 39 weeks for my son to be born ((ended up having a c-section because a 6lb 12oz baby was too big for me))

Answer 5

I was scheduled to have a c section on a monday and went to the doctor the friday before to pick up my surgery orders.  I asked him to check my cervix because I wasn't feeling well and wanted to see if I may go into labor over the weekend.  To my amazement I was 8/9 cm dilated without feeling a single pain.  If you get worried you can always go to the hospital and get checked.  Good luck hun

Answer 6

Those are called braxton hicks.  Your uterus is just getting ready for the big day.  Don't worry... you'll know when the real thing hits~