[happynlove]

Iam 24 weeks pregnant with a boy!! This is my first pregnancy, so Im a little in the dark on exactly what are braxton hicks contractions. Some days I feel a tight pain in my lower abdomen, it dosen't last long, but I worry about everything. Is this normal?

[DoulaLC]

Braxton Hicks actually happen throughout much of pregnancy but aren't usually felt until close till the end. Some women will have them quite often, others hardly at all, and some never notice it.
If it comes and goes it may either be braxton hicks, or it could be just stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. There are a number of aches and pains that can show up in pregnancy, most are more of an annoyance than a concern.
When you feel them, press on your stomach all over. If it is tight and hard all around, likely a contraction... if hard in one area but soft elsewhere, it is likely baby's bottom or back pressing against you.
Usually too, if they are braxon hicks, they will subside if you get something to drink, go lie down, have something to eat, change your activity.
If you are very uncomfortable, or they are prolonged, let your doctor or midwife know.