Braxton Hicks contractions are typically felt as a tightening or hardening sensation in the front of the abdomen or belly. They feel somewhat like mild menstrual cramps or a tightening across the belly muscles. Unlike true labor contractions, they are usually not felt in the lower back or lower part of the uterus and are not very painful—more often uncomfortable or mildly crampy
. Specifically, the sensation often starts at the top of the uterus and spreads downward, making the uterus feel like a very tense or hard "basketball." These contractions are irregular and come and go, usually lasting about 30 seconds to a minute or two, and ease up with movement or changing positions
. In summary, you feel Braxton Hicks contractions mainly in the front of your abdomen as a tightening or cramping sensation that is usually uncomfortable but not painful, and they do not involve the back or lower uterus like true labor contractions do
