I started having period like cramps in my back and stomach last night plus a little brown spotting along with a little bit of my mucus plug. I went to my weekly appointment today and I had a cervical check. They said I’m 1cm dilated and they did a membrane sweep. I’ve heard Braxton hicks aren’t supposed to be painful. When I get these pains they last about 30 seconds but are still very irregular. But when the pains come it’s a little hard to talk or walk until they are over. I’m just so confused over the Braxton hicks vs real contractions. Any advice or input ? FTM