Advice needed: contractions?

[kayleewild92]

I'm 39 weeks exactly today. I had a sweep yesterday at my midwife appointment as I have previously had high blood pressure and am carrying a big baby. I've been having cramps since yesterday and lots of pressure down there, with some shooting pains down my legs in certain positions.
My question is: how do I know what a contraction is? I've not had braxton hicks and this is my first child so please forgive my naivety. I've read that braxton hicks don't last longer than an hour usually and will disappear if you change movements, which mine don't. However they don't feel strong enough for me to make a fuss about. I don't want to get either of my birthing partners out of work for it to be nothing. Any advice? Thanks in advance xx

My contractions started as a tightening and pain by my bum which worked round to the front and my bump.
I read that braxton hicks stop when you change what you are doing eg stand if sitting, but i still ignored this and assumed it was braxton hicks for 4 days.
Real contractions might not be regular to start (mine weren't hence me assuming braxton hicks)
They will get more painful though and you'll soon realise when it really kicks off as it will take your breath away.
It could be a long wait so just keep monitoring and rest/sleep as much as you can.
Every labour is different and so are everyones contractions.
Good luck!

I don't know if this helps but I have constant B-H in my pregnancies and they don't hurt at all. You can see my tummy tightening and creating two peaks and I can also feel the tension all the way down to my cervix. It feels tight and slightly uncomfortable but not painful.

Can you ring your MW for advice?