Contractions- real or BH

I know this may sound silly, but with DD1 I didn't go into labor bc I had a scheduled c section at 37.3 weeks due to low placenta. I opted to have another scheduled c section. This one is scheduled at 39.1 days.

Also, DD1 was lying transverse the whole time so I never knew what it felt like to have a head down baby!

I'm currently just about 38 weeks and have been having some cramping. I've been having it on and off for about a week or two now. Dr says its normal at this point.

My question is, how do I know if they are regular contractions!? I know it's a stupid question. He said if they are close together and painful they are real, but these cramps I'm having feel pretty uncomfortable. I've been getting them on and off. I'm trying to drink a lot of water bc I thought I may be dehydrated.

Will I know what a REAL contraction is?

Contractions- real or BH

Honestly, my first real contractions felt like Braxton hicks so I'm no help! I had very minimal pain until they broke my water. The only difference was they were very consistent, every 4-5 minutes.

Re: Contractions- real or BH

I had a legit contraction last week and it felt like diarrhea cramps that would come in waves of intensity/discomfort and my belly got really hard.

Re: Contractions- real or BH

Thanks ladies. Yesterday was a very crampy day. Hoping today is better. I want to make it to my scheduled date on April 7.

Re: Contractions- real or BH