Why Is My Pregnant Belly Sometimes Hard and Sometimes Soft? It's hard for doctors to know exactly why your stomach might be hard or soft without an examination.

Any vaginal bleeding, changes in vaginal discharge, contractions, or cramping within 12 hours of a hit to the abdomen or other injury also warrant a call to your health care provider.

Contractions can be hard to prepare for. Here's what to know ahead of time when it comes to what contractions feel like and other signs of labor.