Contractions

[Dozeyland]

(If your waters haven't broken)
In early stages of labour & 2nd stage, What physically happens to your tummy when you are having contractions (visually)

Oh right. i've been getting the "tightenings/rock hard ball like" I assume these are raton hicks. have been getting them for a few weeks but more so recently (i am 38weeks tomorrow)

They aren't painful, just uncomfy, come about 4-10 times a day & last about 10 secs??

how will I know the difference to the real thing (if my waters dont break/dont have a show first?)

This is my first baby, the past week i have felt really emotional/achy/some aspects of the nesting instinct, keep going hot and burning ears & headache today.

i still think its going to be overdue just thought id ask lol

i've noticed i've been having more bowel movements the past few days, feeling energised one minute, then shit the next (backache/bh's/hormonal loads.

i still think baby will be late. the anticipation is the toughy to handle! 1 week 5 days to go. it STILL doesn't seem real to me? is that odd??