At some point in the third trimester, nearly every expectant parent feels a tightening that makes them stop and wonder: is this the real thing, or just my body rehearsing? Braxton Hicks contractions are a completely normal part of late pregnancy, but the uncertainty around them can be exhausting. This book offers a calm, step-by-step way to tell the difference. You will learn what each type of contraction actually feels like, how to time them accurately, and which patterns mean labor is truly underway. Discover why movement, hydration, and rest settle practice contractions, and when the changing rhythm of real labor means it is time to call your midwife. With clear guidance on what to say at the hospital, how to handle false alarms, when to seek urgent care, and how to trust your own instincts, this book turns one of pregnancy's biggest anxieties into something you can manage. Warm, practical, and grounded in mainstream maternity guidance, it is the companion to keep beside you in those final weeks. Part of The Pregnancy Companion Library.