Hello, Thank you for your query. Yes , It is possible that you could be in labor. Please visit your OBGYN right away. If this closer to your due date (past 37 weeks) ,baby may be ready to come out. However, prior to 37 weeks, baby may need support to breathe & other functions depending on the level of maturity and gestational age. in the later half of the third trimester, Braxton-hicks can become more prominent and may be painful. These are not the true contractions associated with labour (practice contractions). These occur randomly or when there is any physical or emotional discomfort. True labour will be characterized by regular,painful contractions and the uterus will be stone hard. It lasts for more than 45 seconds. The frequency will increase as labour progresses. In case of Braxton-hicks, pain may be present. It is usually associated with some discomfort ( especially in the last month), lasts for less than 40 seconds and does not occur at regular intervals. It does not progress or become more frequent. Uterus tightens in this but does not give you the urge to push or bear down. I would examine you & monitor your baby and uterine contractions for a few hours. I would do a cardio tocogram to see if these contractions are true or if it causes fetal distress. In case of true labour, and if is before 37 weeks, I would hospitalize you and try to stop the contractions, Give medications to accelerate the maturation of your baby s lungs. If inevitable you baby will be born preterm/premature depending on how far along you are. He/she may need intensive care and support. If itsn t true labour, possible trigger factors for these contractions should be taken into account and withheld or controlled . (certain food items, physical strain, lack of sleep, standing too long, emotional stress). I once again recommend you see your OBGYN right away to diagnose and enable prompt treatment. Hope i ve helped. Wish you have a safe confinement. please get back to us if you have any further queries.