Is this really Braxton Hicks?

Have you heard of these things? If you have been pregnant you may have. I, however, was under the impression from all my “prep yourself for pregnancy”, “everything you ever wanted to know about having a baby” books, thought these were just mild sensations that felt like your abdomen was tightening. Supposedly, these are common and are just one of the many minor aches and pains associated with pregnancy. WELL!!!!! I thought I had experienced this mild tightening and lower abdomen soreness enough that I would purchase a most attractive maternity belt to aid in my support. (Luckily it is hidden under my clothes) Well, obviously I had been mistaken because three times in the past three days I have been stopped in my tracks, literally, by an intense sharp pain in my lower abdomen that required deep breathing, repositioning and a good, solid, clawing of Rodney’s arm to move through it. After speaking with our doctor friend yesterday and my own physician today, the overall thought is that these are just Braxton Hicks contractions. Of course, I’m thinking, “How can I avoid these?”, “When should I be concerned?” and “How long will I have to deal with this?” As I’m discovering in this process, the first answer is always, “Every pregnancy is different.” How is that helpful!?!?! So it looks like I have to deal with this pain when it happens and only if it occurs for over an hour do I call the physician. By the way, so far, I’ve only experienced it for a few minutes. I can’t imagine dealing with it for more than an hour. IS THIS PART OF THE TRAINING TOO? If so, I’m more convinced than ever that the epidural will be my friend! J