Real or fake contractions?

Long but PLEASE read and help me out!

Okay, so I know the best advice is to just go get checked! I'm actually planning on it just checking here in the meantime.

I've been having Braxton hicks for abiut 2 1/2 months now. Always irregular and the advice from labor and delivery is always to "lay on my left side after using the bathroom and drinking 2 glasses of water"

I am 39+1 and as of 4/11 was dilated to a 2.

I'm having possible contractions. Just a little tightening, 2 times a sharp pain and a tinge of period like cramps. . . I have a pretty major pain tolerance and am worried I won't feel extreme pain and wont think I'm having contractions.

This has happened just a few times throughout the day. I haven't been able to do the normal lay down after drinking water routine yet. And I haven't been able to time anything.

How light can the real thing be? Could I miss it because it just doesn't hurt me like most people?

Give me your best discription of real contractions. Thanks!!