Many women have contractions before labor begins. This is sometimes called ‘false labor’ or  “Braxton-Hicks” contractions.  Sometimes your uterus gets hard and can be painful enough to make you think you’re going into labor.  Other times you may notice a tightening of your belly  without really feeling the contractions. These contractions do some of the early work to help soften, thin, and perhaps even slightly open your cervix and they occur more often as your due date draws near.  They tend to occur in the afternoon or evening, after physical activity, or when you are tired.

 If you have contractions, rest and have some fluids.  If contractions are very painful, last more than two hours or are more than 6 in one hour and you are less than 36 weeks, go to the hospital.  Don’t feel silly if you go to the hospital, sure that the big day is here, only to be sent home again.