26 weeks and painful contractions....scared

I am 26 weeks and I had about an hour and a half of aching abdomen and back last night that I believe were contractions (because of all my lose skin and still some fat it is hard to tell if my tummy is getting hard or not).  It hurt a lot and nothing I did would make them stop (drinking cold water, walking around, laying on left side).  I finally fell asleep but I believe I still had them through the night as my abs are very tired this morning.  Is this just normal braxton hicks?  Should they hurt that much??  I am calling the Dr this morning but wanted opinions.

braxton hicks shouldnt hurt.... they can be uncomfy...

You are still very early.  My OB has told me if I have 6 in an hour or 4 in 20 minutes I am to go to labor and delivery.  I've been contracting for 3 weeks.  They started at 22 weeks.  There is medicine they can give you to stop them, but you should really go get checked.  I can understand your fears.  Good luck and keep us posted.

Dr wants me in for an ultrasound to check my cervix and a catheterized urine sample (OUCH!).  Ugh, I am more nervous about the catheter then anything else.  Thank God today is my husband's day off so he can hold my hand.  I will keep you guys posted on the outcome.