Braxton Hicks at 18 weeks please tell me someone else has had this and been OK

I am nearly 19 weeks and Braxton Hicks have started in then the past few days. I’m drinking a lot of water and resting in bed and trying to keep my body calm. But I am having contracting, tightening and hardening of my uterus at certain intervals. It’s painful and worrying. It’s what I would call more mild at this point and definitely doesn’t feel like real labor contractions but I am worried that my body is already trying to prepare for labor this early.

Can anyone tell me their experience if they had this early on? I do have some health issues and I know that I am at risk for preterm labor so I am prepared for the idea I could end up having a preemie but this is way too early to be thinking about that and I’m just really worried. The doctor said I have to time them and go to the hospital if I think it’s getting worse but just rest and have a lot of water and electrolytes right now.

Any thoughts or experiences??

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR FEEDBACK!!! I feel much better now!