So I thought I knew I was having Braxton Hicks contractions for the last few weeks. Whole belly would tighten but no pain, just a few seconds on discomfort.

Today every 20 mins or so for the last hour, I've had a strange feeling where I can feel my belly muscles start to tighten/harden. Once they do it's then followed by a period pain type ache. This all lasts for about 45 second or a minute then just slowly goes away.

Am I just feeling stronger Braxton Hicks? Or could this be my body in early labour? I feel super off today just in general. Not wanting to move around much and feeling nausea.

Im 37+5 and a ftm so this is all very new to me and everytime I ask my midwife or doc how I'll know what's a contraction they say "you'll just know" which does not help haha