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This is also called Braxton-Hicks Contractions. Your muscles are tightening and relaxing- practicing for real birth time. These are painless and not regular. If contractions go away when you sit down or stand up they are most likely false labor. Real labor pains begin in the low back and spread to low belly. They are regular and get stronger over time.

As your baby and uterus grow, your body must adjust. You may feel a pull or sudden sharp pain low in your stomach area. This is called Round Ligament Pain. These are like bands hooked to both sides of the womb and hold it in place. The baby growing stretches these bands. Warm baths, getting up slowly or lying on the painful side with a pillow between your knees can help.

Domestic violence is a crime and there are places to turn for help. Don’t try to leave on your own without help. Call the National Domestic Violence Hot Line at 1-800-799-7233. You don’t have to give them your name. They can give you advice and tell you about local groups that are there to help you. They help you plan for what to do if your partner is very violent or what to do if you need to leave. The hotline keeps lists of shelters where you can go with your children. If you think your partner is going to hurt you, call 911 or the local police