What are these pains???

[Gem021]

I am 37 weeks today, i walked to my friends house which is not that far away and got a really bad pain in the side of my tummy almost like a stitch, then last night while i was cooking dinner i had a period like pain in my tummy that lasted for 5 mins or so. This is my first baby and i dont know what to expect, i know about braxton hicks contractions but dont know if it was just that?? The midwife told me the babys head is 4/5ths engaged but i dont know what that means?? Can anyone help? x

braxton hicks can come in all different strengths

they can feel crampy or painful (often your tummy will go rock hard at the same time)

it goes without saying that if you are concerned to speak to your MW