Small contractions at 30 weeks. Real or Braxton Hicks?

Almost 30 weeks and for the past 2 days have been having “contractions.” I have an appointment Thursday so didn’t want to go in if it wasn’t serious.

Last night had the lower stomach tightening sensation several times from 7pm-midnight. Wasn’t severely painful but definitely very uncomfortable and slightly painful.

After midnight everything was normal until this afternoon and same thing. I’ve had it happen 3 times in the past hour. My lower stomach gets tight and essentially feels like a smaller, quick contraction.

This is my third baby but I don’t remember this happening with either of the others. They were both full term and I had small Braxton Hicks but nothing painful until labor at 40+ weeks.