OK I'm 8 months pregnant, first baby, and four times in the last few weeks I've had what I can only assume are braxton hicks contractions... but they're extremely painful, and uncomfortable, to the point where I well... cry and try not to move a muscle... they last allllllll day, my back and abdomin throb... walking definitely doesn't help, sleep and laying down didn't work, they kept me up all night one time... only way to explain it is it was like having period cramps all day at their worst. I sit down at work all day.. I am going to see my doctor in a week.. but I'm impatient.. and really worried. Could I go into labour early.. is it at all normal to have braxton that long, and painful? Could stress have anything to do with it.. should I see my doctor sooner than next week?

Braxton Hicks are said to be uncomfortable but not sore - could be something ele? Urine infecion maybe. If you are in labour you get regular contractions that get stronger and stronger that are like tight period pains. If they ae as bad as this I would see mydoc early!!

Are these pains coming and going, as in lasting about 30-60 seconds at a time and then subsiding for awhile, or is it one continuous pain throughout the entire day? For most women Braxton Hicks are like period cramps that come and go... but sometimes they can be strong enough to cause someone to think they are in actual labor.
If you get more than 4 or 5 in an hour you would want to let your doctor or midwife know. You may notice more if you aren't taking in enough fluids as your uterus will contract more if you get a bit dehydrated, so be sure you are getting extra to drink (sometimes you have to make a conscience effort to do this!)
If it is one long pain, give your doctor's office a call and let them direct you. Better to be checked and have it be nothing than to put it off and have it be something they would liked to have addressed sooner. When in doubt, call... that is what they are there for! The peace of mind is worth it... hope you feel better... :)