Contractions.

Don't panic. I was taught in birthing class braxton hicks are random and often go away when you lie down, go walking, drink plenty of water etc. There is no rhythm to braxton hicks.

However true contractions get closer together, and if you have 4 or more in an hour, you need to call the hospital for advice or just go in. Same with having pain, any bleeding, or leaking of fluids. When you next feel one, the nurse teaching us also taught us to press a finger or 2 into the belly to see if it's as hard as when you press your forehead, that's a true contraction. If it's still as wiggly as the tip of pressing into your nose, it's probably just baby moving dramatically in there.

You've got this! If your intuition is telling you to get checked out, do so.

Yeah they’re post likely Braxton hicks they can become more intense as you get further along. And you can be in prodromal labor for weeks or months before actual labor.