Precursor to Labor?

I had the night from hell last night. At about 11:30pm, I woke up with really uncomfortable tightness in my belly. I figured maybe it was something I ate or because the baby was really active during the day or because we had sex earlier in the night.

I couldn't get comfortable no matter which side I chose or if I sat straight up in bed. The only thing I found to somewhat soothe the achy, crampy feeling was to drink water and walk around the house. At about 1am, I was so tempted to get dressed and walk around the block. That's how uncomfortable it was for me. This lasted 'til about 3am when I was finally able to fall asleep. Yes, 2 hours of sleep and I am a zombie today.

So, my questions are - is that feeling "normal"? Was that a Braxton Hicks moment? If so, should it have lasted that long?

I want to call my OB's nurse to ask her if I should come in but I don't want to sound like a worry wart. I feel better today though. After last night, I'm beginning to rethink the epidural thing......


UPDATE: I called my OB's office and the nurse said as long as the tightness has gone away, it doesn't hurt when I pee and the baby is moving "normally", then there is nothing to worry about. She said that I'm being prepared for labor. Ok lady....