Almost 39 weeks(got my membrane sweeped about 4 days ago) and I've been having horrible cramping and pressure pains, which is normal I know. I've heard that contractions feel like horrible cramps and since I'm a FTM, I have no idea what to expect. I've also been having lower back cramps. They get so bad they take my breath away but I don't want to go to the hospital, just for them to send me home. I realize you need to be having contractions at least 5 minutes apart but my cramping is constant. So I have no idea if my pain tolerance is just high and I'm actually having contractions(was told Braxton hicks aren't supposed to be painful) or if my pain tolerance is low and these aren't contractions but I'm already in so much pain. HELP!